TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
 

Symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus

Symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Respiratory syncytial virus includes the 7 symptoms listed below:

Research symptoms & diagnosis of Respiratory syncytial virus:

Respiratory syncytial virus: Complications

Review medical complications possibly associated with Respiratory syncytial virus:

Respiratory syncytial virus Symptoms: Book Excerpts

Research More About Respiratory syncytial virus

Do I have Respiratory syncytial virus?

Respiratory syncytial virus: Medical Mistakes

Respiratory syncytial virus: Undiagnosed Conditions

Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:

Home Diagnostic Testing

Home medical tests related to Respiratory syncytial virus:

Wrongly Diagnosed with Respiratory syncytial virus?

The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Respiratory syncytial virus includes:

See the full list of 10 alternative diagnoses for Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

More about symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus:

More information about symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus and related conditions:

Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms

Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.

Medical Books Online about Respiratory syncytial virus

Medical Books Excerpts Excerpts of published medical book chapters related to Respiratory syncytial virus are available from published medical books for more detailed information about Respiratory syncytial virus.

Medical Books Excerpts
  • COUGH
  • "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
  • Fever
  • "In a Page: Signs and Symptoms" (2004)
  • COUGH
  • "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
  • FEVER
  • "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
  • Fever
  • "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
  • Cough
  • "A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis" (1999)
  • Lassa fever
  • "Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)" (2005)
  • Cough
  • "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
  • Fever
  • "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
  • Fever
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
  • Cough, barking
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
  • Cough, productive
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
  • Fever
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
  • Cough
  • "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
  • Fever
  • "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
  • COUGH
  • "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
  • FEVER
  • "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)

Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Related videos for Respiratory syncytial virus

Flu Prevention

Flu PreventionOur parents told us to cover our mouths when we cough. But that might not be the best strategy for flu prevention. Listen to an infection control...

Cold and Allergy

Cold and AllergyWhen you have watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion and sneezing, how can you tell if it's a cold or an allergy? Find out the difference and the...

 

Cold and Flu Smarts for Kids

Cold and Flu Smarts for KidsAdults may already know the new ways to avoid catching and spreading the flu. But you may need to teach these behaviors to kids. Listen to an...

Hepatitis B Overview

Hepatitis B OverviewHepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver often spread through sexual contact. But people are usually unaware they carry the virus. Find out if...

 
See full list of 20 related videos

Patient Surveys for Respiratory syncytial virus

Symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus.


Respiratory syncytial virus infection: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Clinical features of RSV infection vary in severity from mild, coldlike symptoms to bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia and, in a few patients, severe, life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections. Symptoms usually include coughing, wheezing, malaise, pharyngitis, dyspnea, and inflamed mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Reinfection is common, producing milder symptoms than the primary infection.

Otitis media is a common complication of RSV in infants. RSV has also been identified in patients with a variety of central nervous system disorders, such as meningitis and myelitis.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Acute respiratory failure in COPD: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

In patients who have COPD with ARF, increased ventilation-perfusion mismatch and reduced alveolar ventilation decrease PaO2 (hypoxemia) and increase Paco2 (hypercapnia). This rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) lowers the pH. The resulting hypoxemia and acidemia affect all body organs, especially the CNS and the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Specific symptoms vary with the underlying cause of ARF but may include these systems:

❑ Respiratory — Rate may be increased, decreased, or normal depending on the cause; respirations may be shallow, deep, or alternate between the two; and air hunger may occur. Cyanosis may or may not be present, depending on the hemoglobin (Hb) level and arterial oxygenation. Auscultation of the chest may reveal crackles, rhonchi, wheezing, or diminished breath sounds.

❑ CNS — When hypoxemia and hypercapnia occur, the patient may show evidence of restlessness, confusion, loss of concentration, irritability, tremulousness, diminished tendon reflexes, and papilledema; he may slip into a coma.

❑ Cardiovascular — Tachycardia, with increased cardiac output and mildly elevated blood pressure secondary to adrenal release of catecholamine, occurs early in response to low PaO2. With myocardial hypoxia, arrhythmias may develop. Pulmonary hypertension, secondary to pulmonary capillary vasoconstriction, may cause increased pressures on the right side of the heart, elevated jugular veins, an enlarged liver, and peripheral edema. Stresses on the heart may precipitate cardiac failure.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Infant respiratory distress syndrome: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Although a neonate with IRDS may breathe normally at first, he usually develops rapid, shallow respirations within minutes or hours of birth, with intercostal, subcostal, or sternal retractions, nasal flaring, and audible expiratory grunting. This grunting is a natural compensatory mechanism designed to produce positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and prevent further alveolar collapse.

Severe disease is marked by apnea, bradycardia, and cyanosis (from hypoxemia, left-to-right shunting through the foramen ovale, or right-to-left intrapulmonary shunting through atelectatic regions of the lung). Other clinical features include pallor, frothy sputum, and low body temperature as a result of an immature nervous system and the absence of subcutaneous fat.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Colorado tick fever: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

After a 3- to 6-day incubation period, Colorado tick fever begins abruptly with chills; temperature of 104° F (40° C); severe aching of back, arms, and legs; lethargy; and headache with eye movement such as extraocular movement. Photophobia, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Rare effects include petechial or maculopapular rashes and central nervous system involvement. Symptoms subside after several days but return within 2 to 3 days and continue for 3 more days before slowly disappearing. Complete recovery usually follows.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Lassa fever: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

After a 7- to 18-day incubation period, this disease produces a fever that persists for 2 to 3 weeks, exudative pharyngitis, oral ulcers, lymphadenopathy with swelling of the face and neck, purpura, conjunctivitis, and bradycardia. Severe infection may also cause hepatitis, myocarditis, pleural infection, encephalitis, and permanent unilateral or bilateral deafness.

Virus multiplication in reticuloendothelial cells causes capillary lesions that lead to erythrocyte and platelet loss; mild to moderate thrombocytopenia (with a tendency toward bleeding); and secondary bacterial infection. These capillary lesions may also cause focal hemorrhage in the stomach, small intestine, kidneys, lungs, and brain and, possibly, hemorrhagic shock and peripheral vascular collapse.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Relapsing fever: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The incubation period for relapsing fever is 5 to 15 days (the average is 7 days). Clinically, tick- and louse-borne diseases are similar. Both begin suddenly, with a temperature approaching 105° F (40.6° C), prostration, headache, severe myalgia, arthralgia, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and eye or chest pains. Splenomegaly is common; hepatomegaly and lymphade-nopathy may occur. During febrile periods, the victim's pulse and respiratory rates rise, and a transient macular rash may develop over his torso.

The first attack usually lasts from 3 to 6 days; then the patient's temperature drops quickly and is accompanied by profuse sweating. A skin rash on the trunk lasting 1 to 2 days is common after the primary febrile episode. The rash may be petechiae, macular, or papular. About 5 to 10 days later, a second febrile, symptomatic period begins. In louse-borne infection, additional relapses are unusual; but, in tick-borne cases, a second or third relapse is common. As the afebrile intervals become longer, relapses become shorter and milder because of antibody accumulation. Relapses are possibly due to antigenic changes in the Borrelia organism.

Complications from relapsing fever include nephritis, bronchitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, seizures, cranial nerve lesions, paralysis, and coma. Death may occur from hyperpyrexia, massive bleeding, circulatory failure, splenic rupture, or a secondary infection.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

In 95% of patients, rheumatic fever characteristically follows a streptococcal infection that appeared a few days to 6 weeks earlier. A temperature of at least 100.4° F (38° C) occurs, and most patients complain of migratory joint pain or polyarthritis. Swelling, redness, and signs of effusion usually accompany such pain, which most commonly affects the knees, ankles, elbows, or hips. In 5% of patients (generally those with carditis), rheumatic fever causes skin lesions such as erythema marginatum, a nonpruritic, macular, transient rash that gives rise to red lesions with blanched centers. Rheumatic fever may also produce firm, movable, nontender, subcutaneous nodules about 3 mm to 2 cm in diameter, usually near tendons or bony prominences of joints (especially the elbows, knuckles, wrists, and knees) and less often on the scalp and backs of the hands. These nodules persist for a few days to several weeks and, like erythema marginatum, often accompany carditis.

Later, rheumatic fever may cause transient chorea, which develops up to 6 months after the original streptococcal infection. Mild chorea may produce hyperirritability, a deterioration in handwriting, or an inability to concentrate. Severe chorea (Sydenham’s chorea) causes purposeless, nonrepetitive, involuntary muscle spasms; poor muscle coordination; and weakness. Chorea always resolves without residual neurologic damage.

The most destructive effect of rheumatic fever is carditis, which develops in up to 50% of patients and may affect the endocardium, myocardium, pericardium, or the heart valves. Pericarditis causes a pericardial friction rub and, occasionally, pain and effusion. Myocarditis produces characteristic lesions called Aschoff bodies (in the acute stages) and cellular swelling and fragmentation of interstitial collagen, leading to formation of a progressively fibrotic nodule and interstitial scars. Endocarditis causes valve leaflet swelling, erosion along the lines of leaflet closure, and blood, platelet, and fibrin deposits, which form beadlike vegetations. Endocarditis affects the mitral valve most often in females; the aortic, most often in males. In both females and males, endocarditis affects the tricuspid valves occasionally and the pulmonic only rarely.

Severe rheumatic carditis may cause heart failure with dyspnea; right upper quadrant pain; tachycardia; tachypnea; a hacking, nonproductive cough; edema; and significant mitral and aortic murmurs. The most common of such murmurs include:

❑ a systolic murmur of mitral insufficiency (high-pitched, blowing, holosystolic, loudest at apex, possibly radiating to the anterior axillary line)

❑ a midsystolic murmur due to stiffening and swelling of the mitral leaflet

❑ occasionally, a diastolic murmur of aortic insufficiency (low-pitched, rumbling, almost inaudible). Valvular disease may eventually result in chronic valvular stenosis and insufficiency, including mitral stenosis and insufficiency, and aortic insufficiency. In children, mitral insufficiency remains the major sequela of rheumatic heart disease.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The incubation period is usually about 7 days, but it can range from 2 to 14 days. Generally, the shorter the incubation time, the more severe the infection. Signs and symptoms, which usually begin abruptly, include a persistent temperature of 102° to 104° F (38.9° to 40° C); a generalized, excruciating headache; nausea and vomiting; and aching in the bones, muscles, joints, and back. In addition, the tongue is covered with a thick white coating that gradually turns brown as the fever persists and rises.

Initially, the skin may simply appear flushed. Between days 2 and 5, eruptions begin around the wrists, ankles, or forehead; within 2 days, they cover the entire body, including the scalp, palms, and soles. The rash consists of erythematous macules 1 to 5 mm in diameter that blanch on pressure; if untreated, the rash may become petechial and maculopapular. By the third week, the skin peels off and may become gangrenous over the elbows, fingers, and toes.

The pulse is strong initially, but it gradually becomes rapid (possibly reaching 150 beats/minute) and thready.

Alert A rapid pulse rate and hypotension (systolic pressure less than 90 mm Hg) herald imminent death from complete vascular collapse.

Other signs and symptoms include a bronchial cough, a rapid respiratory rate (as high as 60 breaths/minute), anorexia, constipation, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, insomnia, restlessness and, in extreme cases, delirium. Urine output falls to half of the normal level or less, is dark in color, and contains albumin. Complications, although uncommon, include lobar pneumonia, otitis media, pa-rotitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and, possibly, renal failure. In rare cases, RMSF leads to death.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Whooping cough: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

After an incubation period of about 7 to 10 days, B. pertussis enters the tracheobronchial mucosa, where it produces progressively tenacious mucus. Whooping cough follows a classic 6-week course that includes three stages, each of which lasts about 2 weeks.

First, the catarrhal stage characteristically produces an irritating hacking, nocturnal cough, anorexia, sneezing, listlessness, infected conjunctiva and, occasionally, a low-grade fever. This stage is highly communicable.

After a period of 7 to 14 days, the paroxysmal stage produces spasmodic and recurrent coughing that may expel tenacious mucus. Each cough characteristically ends in a loud, crowing inspiratory whoop; excessive coughing; and choking on mucus, causing vomiting. (Patients with persistent cough should be evaluated for whooping cough, because not every patient will develop paroxysms or the distinctive whooping sound.) Paroxysmal coughing may induce such complications as nosebleed, increased venous pressure, periorbital edema, conjunctival hemorrhage, hemorrhage of the anterior chamber of the eye, detached retina (and blindness), rectal prolapse, inguinal or umbilical hernia, seizures, atelectasis, and pneumonitis. In infants, choking spells may cause apnea, anoxia, and disturbed acid-base balance. During this stage, patients are highly vulnerable to fatal secondary bacterial or viral infections. Suspect such secondary infection (usually otitis media or pneumonia) in any whooping cough patient with a fever during this stage, because whooping cough itself seldom causes fever.

During the convalescent stage, paroxysmal coughing and vomiting gradually subside. However, for months afterward, even a mild upper respiratory tract infection may trigger paroxysmal coughing. (Paroxysmal coughing may not be present in partially immunized individuals.)

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Signs and Symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Rapid, shallow breathing; dyspnea, crackles, rhonchi; hypoxemia; bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray  

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Acute respiratory failure: Signs and Symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Shallow or deep respirations (or both), air hunger, cyanosis, adventitious breath sounds, confusion, decreased level of consciousness, tachycardia, pulmonary hypertension, irritability, decreased reflexes

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Respiratory alkalosis: Signs and Symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Deep, rapid breathing; dizziness; agitation; circumoral and peripheral paresthesia; carpopedal spasms; twitching; muscle weakness; seizures; arrhythmias

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Severe acute respiratory syndrome: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The incubation period for SARS is typically 3 to 5 days but may last as long as 14 days. Initial signs and symptoms include fever, shortness of breath and other minor respiratory symptoms, general discomfort, headache, rigors, chills, myalgia, sore throat, and dry cough. Some individuals may develop diarrhea or a rash. Later complications include respiratory failure, liver failure, heart failure, myelodysplastic syndromes, and death.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Respiratory acidosis: Signs and Symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Confusion, apprehension, asterixis, coma, headache, dyspnea, tachypnea, papilledema, depressed reflexes, tachycardia, hypertension or hypotension, arrhythmias, vasodilation

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Respiratory syncytial virus infection: Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)

Signs and symptoms of RSV infection vary in severity, ranging from mild coldlike symptoms to bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia and, in a few patients, severe, life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections. Generally, signs and symptoms include coughing, wheezing, malaise, pharyngitis, dyspnea, and inflamed mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

Otitis media is a common complication of RSV in infants. RSV has also been identified in patients with various central nervous system disorders, such as meningitis and myelitis.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Acute respiratory failure in COPD: Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)

In COPD patients with ARF, increased ventilation-perfusion mismatching and reduced alveolar ventilation decrease Pao2 (hypoxemia) and increase Paco2 (hypercapnia). This rise in carbon dioxide tension lowers the pH. The resulting hypoxemia and acidemia affect all body organs, especially the central nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Specific symptoms vary with the underlying cause of ARF but can include any of the following:

  • Respiratory symptoms. The respiratory rate may be increased, decreased, or normal, depending on the cause; respirations may be shallow or deep, or they may alternate between the two; and air hunger may occur. Cyanosis may or may not be present, depending on the hemoglobin (Hb) level and arterial oxygenation. Auscultation of the chest may reveal crackles, rhonchi, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.
  • CNS symptoms. The patient may show evidence of restlessness, confusion, loss of concentration, irritability, tremulousness, diminished tendon reflexes, and papilledema; he may slip into a coma.
  • Cardiovascular symptoms. Tachycardia, with increased cardiac output and mildly elevated blood pressure secondary to adrenal release of catecholamines, occurs early in response to a low Pao2.With myocardial hypoxia, arrhythmias may develop. Pulmonary hypertension also occurs.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Signs and symptoms
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    In 95% of patients, rheumatic fever characteristically follows a streptococcal infection that appeared a few days to 6 weeks earlier. A temperature of at least 100.4° F (38° C) occurs.

    Joint pain

    Most patients complain of migratory joint pain or polyarthritis. Swelling, redness, and signs of effusion usually accompany such pain, which most commonly affects the knees, ankles, elbows, or hips.

    Skin lesions and nodules

    In 5% of patients (generally those with carditis), rheumatic fever causes skin lesions, such as erythema marginatum. This nonpruritic, macular, transient rash gives rise to red lesions with blanched centers.

    Rheumatic fever may also produce firm, movable, nontender, subcutaneous nodules ⅛" to ¾" (0.5 to 2 cm) in diameter, usually near tendons or bony prominences of joints (especially the elbows, knuckles, wrists, and knees) and less commonly on the scalp and backs of the hands. These nodules persist for a few days to several weeks and, like erythema marginatum, often accompany carditis.

    Chorea

    Later, rheumatic fever may cause transient chorea, which develops up to 6 months after the original streptococcal infection.

    Mild chorea may produce hyperirritability, a deterioration in handwriting, or an inability to concentrate. Severe chorea causes purposeless, nonrepetitive, involuntary muscle spasms; poor muscle coordination; and weakness. Chorea always resolves without residual neurologic damage.

    Carditis

    The most destructive effect of rheumatic fever is carditis, which develops in up to 50% of patients. It may affect the endocardium, myocardium, pericardium, or the heart valves.

    Pericarditis causes a pericardial friction rub and, occasionally, pain and effusion. Myocarditis produces characteristic lesions called Aschoff bodies (in the acute stages) and cellular swelling and fragmentation of interstitial collagen, leading to formation of a progressively fibrotic nodule and interstitial scars.

    Endocarditis causes valve leaflet swelling, erosion along the lines of leaflet closure, and blood, platelet, and fibrin deposits, which form beadlike vegetations. Endocarditis usually affects the mitral valve in females and the aortic valve in males. In both sexes, endocarditis affects the tricuspid valves occasionally and the pulmonic valve only rarely.

    Severe rheumatic carditis may cause heart failure with dyspnea, right-upper-quadrant pain, tachycardia, tachypnea, significant mitral and aortic murmurs, and a hacking, nonproductive cough.

    The most common murmurs include:

    ❑ a systolic murmur of mitral insufficiency (high-pitched, blowing, holo-systolic, loudest at apex, possibly radiating to the anterior axillary line)

    ❑ a midsystolic murmur caused by stiffening and swelling of the mitral leaflet

    ❑ occasionally, a diastolic murmur of aortic insufficiency. Valvular disease may eventually result in chronic valvular stenosis and insufficiency, including mitral stenosis and insufficiency and aortic insufficiency. In children, mitral insufficiency remains the major after-effect of rheumatic heart disease.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Respiratory alkalosis: Signs and symptoms
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    The cardinal sign of respiratory alkalosis is deep, rapid breathing, possibly exceeding 40 breaths/minute and much like the Kussmaul’s respirations that characterize diabetic acidosis.

    Such hyperventilation usually leads to CNS and neuromuscular disturbances, such as light-headedness or dizziness (from below-normal carbon dioxide levels that decrease cerebral blood flow), agitation, circumoral and peripheral paresthesia, carpopedal spasms, twitching (possibly progressing to tetany), and muscle weakness. Severe respiratory alkalosis may cause cardiac arrhythmias that fail to respond to conventional treatment, seizures, or both.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Respiratory distress syndrome: Signs and symptoms
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Although a neonate with respiratory distress syndrome may breathe normally at first, he usually develops rapid, shallow respirations within minutes or hours of birth, with intercostal, subcostal, or sternal retractions; nasal flaring; and audible expiratory grunting. This grunting is a natural compensatory mechanism designed to produce positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and prevent further alveolar collapse.

    The neonate may also display hypotension, peripheral edema, and oliguria; if he has severe disease, apnea, bradycardia, and cyanosis (from hypoxemia, left-to-right shunting through the foramen ovale, or right-to-left shunting through atelectatic regions of the lung) may be present. Other signs and symptoms include pallor, frothy sputum, and low body temperature as a result of an immature nervous system and the absence of subcutaneous fat.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Respiratory acidosis: Signs and symptoms
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Acute respiratory acidosis produces CNS disturbances that reflect changes in the pH of cerebrospinal fluid rather than increased carbon dioxide levels in cerebral circulation.

    Effects range from restlessness, confusion, and apprehension to somnolence, with a fine or flapping tremor (asterixis), or coma. The patient may complain of headaches and exhibit dyspnea and tachypnea with papilledema and depressed reflexes. Unless the patient is receiving oxygen, hypoxemia accompanies respiratory acidosis.

    This disorder may also cause cardiovascular abnormalities, such as tachycardia, hypertension, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and, in severe acidosis, hypotension with vasodilation (bounding pulses and warm periphery).

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus:

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus: DVRD (Excerpt)

    Illness begins most frequently with fever, runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing. During their first RSV infection, between 25% and 40% of infants and young children have signs or symptoms of bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and 0.5% to 2% require hospitalization. (Source: excerpt from Respiratory Syncytial Virus: DVRD)

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus: DVRD (Excerpt)

    RSV also causes repeated infections throughout life, usually associated with moderate-to-severe cold-like symptoms; however, severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur at any age, especially among the elderly or among those with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems. (Source: excerpt from Respiratory Syncytial Virus: DVRD)

    Respiratory syncytial virus as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions

    When considering symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus, it is also important to consider Respiratory syncytial virus as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Respiratory syncytial virus may cause:

    - (Source - Diseases Database)

    Medical articles and books on symptoms:

    These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:

    Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis

    About signs and symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus:

    The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus. This signs and symptoms information for Respiratory syncytial virus has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Respiratory syncytial virus signs or Respiratory syncytial virus symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Respiratory syncytial virus symptoms.


     » Next page: Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory syncytial virus

    Rate This Website

    What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

    Website User Survey

    Medical Tools & Articles:

    Next articles:

    Tools & Services:

    Medical Articles:

    Forums & Message Boards

  •  
    HONcode We subscribe to the HONcode principles

    By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.

    Home | Symptoms | Diseases | Diagnosis | Videos | Tools | Forum | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Advertise