Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that primarily infects the lungs and airways. It is a frequent cause of respiratory infections, particularly in infants and young children, with nearly all children experiencing it by age two. RSV can affect people of all ages, but it often leads to more severe illness in infants under 12 months, premature babies, and those with underlying heart or lung conditions.
Characteristics of an RSV Cough
An RSV cough often sounds wet due to mucus accumulation. In more severe infections, the cough may be accompanied by wheezing or labored breathing. Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound, usually heard as someone breathes out, indicating a narrowing of the small airways. This narrowing, known as bronchiolitis, results from inflammation caused by the virus.
The cough can sometimes sound forceful, reflecting the effort to clear fluid-filled lungs. While a barking cough can occur, it is more commonly associated with croup, though RSV can sometimes lead to it. RSV primarily causes symptoms by increasing mucus production in the small airways, leading to congestion and wheezing, which can sound similar to asthma. The severity and sound of the cough can vary; in infants, short, shallow, and rapid breathing with associated coughing can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Distinguishing RSV Cough
Differentiating an RSV cough from other common coughs involves recognizing distinct auditory characteristics and accompanying patterns. A cough from a common cold typically presents with milder symptoms, often including a runny nose, sneezing, and a dry cough. RSV symptoms, while initially similar to a cold, usually progress with more pronounced coughing and can include wheezing, which is less common in a simple cold.
A flu cough can be more severe than a cold, often accompanied by a higher fever and more significant fatigue, but the defining wheeze of RSV is often absent. Croup, frequently confused with RSV, produces a distinctive “barking” cough, often compared to a seal, along with a raspy voice and stridor—a high-pitched, squeaky sound when breathing in. While RSV can sometimes cause croup, the seal-like bark is the hallmark of croup, whereas RSV’s cough is typically more wheezy or wet. Whooping cough, caused by bacteria, is characterized by severe, hacking coughing spells followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound as the person gasps for breath. This “whoop” is a key differentiator; coughing fits can be so intense they lead to vomiting.
Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
RSV infection often presents with initial cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and fever. Other common symptoms include a decreased appetite, sore throat, and general tiredness. In infants, irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty feeding can also be signs of RSV. These symptoms typically appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus.
It is important to seek medical attention if red flags appear, especially in infants and young children. Immediate medical care is needed for difficulty breathing, such as rapid breathing, visible effort (chest muscles pulling inward or nostrils flaring), or short, shallow breaths. A bluish color to the skin, particularly around the lips or in the nail beds, indicates a lack of oxygen and requires emergency attention. Other signs warranting a doctor’s visit include a high fever, especially in infants under three months, signs of dehydration such as decreased wet diapers, or unusual tiredness and lethargy.