Respiratory Virus Essay

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Introduction of the Lungs:
The primary role of our respiratory system is the exchange of gases in our blood stream. As we inhale our lungs take in Oxygen (O2), as we exhale our lungs release Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The major parts of the respiratory system consist of;
The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, sinuses, mouth, larynx and throat.
The lower respiratory tract consists of trachea, bronchial tubes and the lungs.
The right lung three lobes the right upper lobe, right middle lobe and right lower lobe, The left lung has only two lobes, the left upper lobe and the left lower lobe. The left lung only has two lobes because it has the “cardiac notch” which makes room for the heart within the chest. The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle at the bottom of the lungs the diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity containing the heart and lungs, from the abdominal cavity and performs an important function in respiration: as the diaphragm contracts, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases and air are drawn into the lungs.
Respiratory syncytial virus:
Respiratory syncytial virus also known as RSV is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
In the United States, the RSV infections generally occur during fall, winter, and spring months. In Florida RSV season starts in September and ends in March. Most children will usually be infected with Respiratory syncytial virus by the age of two. People usually infected with this virus are small children. RSV is the common cause of pneumonia and bronchitis in children one year of age and younger. RSV can tend to be a mild virus that exhibits signs and symptoms of the common cold, but it can cause serious complications in infants, older adults mostly the elderly population or those who have a weakened immune system. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the
lung).
Signs and Symptoms of RSV:
RSV may start off by the person coughing or wheezing that does not stop, the patient may also experience trouble breathing such as in an asthma attack, a fever 100.4F or higher, a bluish color around the lips and on their nail beds due to lack of O2.
Treatments for RSV:
There is no specific treatment for RSV. For a mild case of RSV most doctors will recommend their patients to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to control their temperature. If the patient has a severe case of RSV the patient may have to be placed on Oxygen (O2), or may have to be suctioned to pull the mucus out of their airway or be placed on mechanical ventilation, some children with severe RSV are treated with a drug called ribavirin aerosol. Children with severe cases may also need to be hospitalized, usually for only a few days. Many children recover in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Prevention of RSV:
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touch you face or mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands!
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, cover by coughing or sneezing in the bend of your arm.
Clean surfaces by using a disinfectant cleaner.
Stay home when you are sick.
WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!