Have you ever stayed up late just watching your little one\u2019s chest rise and fall, worrying about every hitch in the rhythm? Me too. It can be so frightening when your baby or young child is struggling to breathe. That fear seems to be manipulated often, especially the last decade or so.<\/p>\n
This winter,\u00a0the news has been saying RSV is hitting harder and sooner this year<\/a>\u00a0due to the efforts of reducing viruses the previous two years. Combine that with the worries every parent has about breathing difficulties, and whether you are a new parent or well seasoned, the fear can start creeping in. When fear is near, I like to start researching!<\/p>\n While I love studying topics, I am not a professional health provider \u2014 I am just a Mom. I can\u2019t give medical advice nor can I treat, cure, or diagnose anything.\u00a0So why am I writing this?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0I want to share about what I have learned that helped me feel more confident as a parent and caregiver to my precious boys.<\/p>\n RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (pronounced sin-\u02c8si-sh-ee- el). It is an extremely common virus that causes an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract (1<\/a>). For the most part, the symptoms are the same as a cold. Any age group can get RSV, but the most at risk for severe symptoms and complications are infants and those with health concerns such as weakened immune systems, heart, or lung diseases.<\/p>\n It is assumed that the majority of people have experienced RSV by the time they turn 2 years old. For most, the virus takes about a week to run its course.<\/p>\n Common Symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 these occur, generally, in stages, not all at the same time (2<\/a>):<\/p>\n In\u00a0infants<\/strong>, there may be other signs, such as the usual not feeling well like (3<\/a>):<\/p>\n But with the addition of:<\/p>\n More\u00a0Severe Symptoms<\/strong>:<\/p>\n While the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions like the flu (or that one newer virus), one of the big differences is that RSV doesn\u2019t usually get accompanied with full body fatigue. When symptoms get more severe like mentioned above, consulting a trusted health care provider may be needed.<\/p>\n While I love going the natural route as much as possible, it is good to know what the allopathic course of treatment would be if that becomes reality.<\/p>\n Directly from the\u00a0CDC website<\/a>, the most common course of treatment are these steps (4<\/a>):<\/p>\n If the condition becomes serious, then oxygen, IV fluids, or intubation may become options also.<\/p>\n There is a monthly injection called Palivizumab, or Synagis, that can be given once a month with monoclonal antibodies that they feel can prevent RSV during high risk months (5<\/a>). This is the current \u201cvaccine\u201d available for RSV. There are others in various levels of testing, but they are not available yet.<\/p>\n Synagis does have some concerning possible side effects such as (6<\/a>):<\/p>\n Sometimes, an antiviral medication called\u00a0Ribavirin\u00a0<\/a>is used to treat RSV in severe cases (7<\/a>). This drug comes with many warnings and side effects, and cannot be used alone. It must be used with\u00a0Interferon\u00a0<\/a>\u2014 an immunosuppressant \u2014 that also has many different side effects and adverse events associated with it (8<\/a>).<\/p>\n Besides\u00a0flu-like symptoms<\/strong>, there are risks associated with Ribavirin\/Interferon treatment:<\/p>\n Neither of those sound like a situation that a parent wants to worry about and have to make those choices. Which led me to research, what can I do at home to help my kiddos when we run into RSV?<\/p>\n Now that we talked about some basics, let\u2019s talk about the natural living and holistic approach to RSV!<\/p>\n The first step before we even come across anything is to\u00a0support the immune system<\/a>. It can handle most things when given the regular support and care it needs. With some infections there are causes or predispositions that may make the risk greater for some people compared to others.<\/p>\n The immune system is the body\u2019s response to something that it does not accept as part of the body. These cells that cause this reaction are called antigens. Those may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or any other substance that should not be in the body. The immune system specifically reacts to the proteins on the surface of these cells. Once the immune cells become attached to the antigen, the immune system will send out the proper response to eliminate that invading cell (9<\/strong><\/a>).<\/p>\n There are two types of ways the immune system reacts: Innate and Adaptive. These two parts of the system work closely together.<\/p>\n Innate immune system is a nonspecific, immediate response that sees any antigen and sends out immune cells to capture, contain, and kill the antigen. It\u2019s like a roomba that just roams around and happens to come upon a mess to clean up.<\/p>\n Adaptive immune system is a specific or acquired response. This is where our antibodies come into play. This is the part of our immune system that stores data about previous antigens it has encountered. The immune cells like the natural killer cells, phagocytes, and even the\u00a0lymphatic system\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0lymphocytes recognize the antigen and activate a response to get the saved antibodies on the task of eliminating it (10<\/strong><\/a>). This system is always learning, and can even change its response to match new information it learns about each antigen!<\/p>\n Together, these work to make a strong immune system that protects us. So how can we help it?<\/p>\n The next step is to look at all the symptoms to determine where extra support is needed, and what may be able to help.<\/p>\n As a recap, these are the RSV Symptoms that commonly need to be addressed:<\/p>\n If you like a good DIY option, check out this great helper:\u00a0DIY: Immunity Tincture<\/a><\/p>\n My favorite remedies to keep on-hand:\u00a0Feel Better Fast<\/a>,\u00a0Elderberry Elixir<\/a>,\u00a0Good Night Lotion<\/a>,\u00a0Immune Aid \u2014 Vitamin C<\/a>,\u00a0Cod Liver Oil<\/a>, and\u00a0Nourish Me Naturally<\/a><\/p>\n This is always fun, isn\u2019t it? You end up feeling like you harass your child every 5 minutes to wipe their nose \u2014 and then, their poor little nose ends up looking all raw and red after a while! We have to keep it clean though. What\u2019s a mom to do?<\/p>\n Some tips for making the symptoms more comfortable:<\/p>\n Herbs, Food, and EOs to Use in Natural Remedies:<\/p>\n The herbs can be used in teas, tinctures, or salves. The EOs can be used diluted in creams or salves.<\/p>\n Honey is a great antibacterial, antiviral, sore throat soother, immune system booster, and helps with digestion! It can be used plain by the teaspoon or in a number of recipes. Try these ones out:<\/p>\n DIY: Fermented Garlic Honey<\/a><\/p>\n DIY: Honey Lollipops<\/a><\/p>\n DIY: Kid Friendly Cough Syrup<\/a><\/p>\n DIY: Anti-Nausea Honey<\/a><\/p>\n Soothe a Cold with Lemon & Honey<\/a><\/p>\n Another great option (without honey) is\u00a0DIY: Cough Away Tincture<\/a>.<\/p>\n My favorite remedies to keep on-hand:\u00a0Breathe Well<\/a>,\u00a0Cough B Gone Herbal Extract<\/a>, and\u00a0Sinus Saver<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nearly every parent fears fevers. As soon as your little one spikes a fever, all the research we have read about not to worry, goes out the proverbial window!<\/p>\n Just try to remember, a fever is not an illness. It is a symptom of an illness. It\u2019s a sign that the body\u2019s immune system knows it has a job to do, and it is trying to do it!<\/p>\n Usually, the body doesn\u2019t allow a fever to go high enough to cause damage to the body. Dangerously high fevers are almost always the result of a metabolic disorder, a reaction to medication\/vaccine, or reaction to an external source (like heat stroke).<\/p>\n If the fever does go high or your child is very uncomfortable and\/or lethargic, you should see a trusted health care provider.<\/p>\n You can read a lot more about fevers and the temp ranges in\u00a0Earthley\u2019s Guide to Fevers<\/a>.<\/p>\n When the body has a fever, it\u2019s burning through its resources to overcome the sickness. This means that you need to give the body what it needs to keep fighting without crippling it in the process. There are several simple, effective ways to do this.<\/p>\n Some tips for making the symptoms more comfortable:<\/p>\n Herbs, Food, and EOs to Use in Natural Remedies:<\/p>\n The herbs can be used in teas, tinctures, baths, or salves.<\/p>\n Try these\u00a06 Foods That Support Your Immune System<\/a>.<\/p>\n My favorite remedies to keep on-hand:\u00a0Feel Better Fast<\/a>,\u00a0Elderberry Elixir<\/a>,\u00a0Electrolyte Powder<\/a>,\u00a0Immune-biotic<\/a>,\u00a0Soothing Herbal Bath Tea<\/a>,\u00a0Herbal Detox Bath<\/a>, and\u00a0Greens Powder<\/a>.<\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0This post is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and nothing in this post is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. If you have questions, please do your own research or seek advice from a health professional.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat is RSV<\/h2>\n
Symptoms of RSV<\/h2>\n
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Treatments in Allopathic Care<\/h2>\n
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Natural Remedies for RSV<\/h2>\n
Addressing the Virus<\/h2>\n
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Addressing the Symptoms<\/h2>\n
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Addressing Runny Noses, Chest Congestion, and Breathing Discomfort<\/h2>\n
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Addressing Dehydration and Fever<\/h2>\n
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<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\nHow have you handled RSV naturally or otherwise?<\/h2>\n