Comments on: I had RSV as a premature infant, does this mean I am proned to other respitory diseases?

By: wezy53154

wezy53154 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:46:59 +0000

Most children that have severe RSV do tend to develop asthma which is a hyper-reactivity of the airways of the lungs. It causes them to constrict and trap air and unfortunately germs. Your having been born premature also play a role in the development of the asthma. Most children are born with fully formed lungs. In premature infants the lungs have to play catch up and again become hypersensitive due to their immature state. Some don’t completely outgrow it. You will hear people talking about having outgrown their asthma. This is a misnomer. Asthma is a physiologically condition that while it can less or more sensitive with time, will never completely go away. Once you have it, you always have it. The good news is that it can be controlled. First, I recommend that you start be getting that yearly flu shot. If you have not had the injection for pneumonia, you should also get that. That gunk you are worried about is formed from trapped germs so wash your hands frequently and stay away from people who have signs or symptoms of cough or colds. If you have not had a formal screening for asthma, now is the time to do so by a broad certified pulmonologist. This is a doctor that specialized in the lungs. I hope that this helps you. Good luck.
References :
respiratory therapist

By: Charles V

Charles V — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:18:59 +0000

If you live close to a university like Stanford or U C S F go to their lung
clinic and see what they can do for you.I had to have a lung transplant
two years ago and I went to Stanford. I’m doing great now.Don’t put it off.
References :
Personal experiense

By: Jenni

Jenni — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:56:59 +0000

I’m not sure about the reasons, but serious cases of RSV do end up with serious asthma, and yes you should be getting yearly shots. My daughter had the same issue, and went years with good breathing and no problems, but the ashtma popped back up at age 7. She wheezes and has to take nebs with every illness. Yes, It definately does seem to cause respiratory issues. My daughter was never sick prior to RSV, (She was 18 months old!) and also almost died from it, almost had to have a tracheostomy. I was also told she would be asthmatic for the rest of her life from the pediatric hospital in fort worth texas. They now immunize babys for RSV.
References :
Mom