Physical examination for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

When you take your child to a health professional for coldlike symptoms, the physical examination alone is not enough to confirm a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. However, along with the medical history, it can help your health professional identify signs of complications, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, evaluate the severity of the illness, and determine whether it is getting better or worse.

A physical exam for a child with known or suspected RSV usually will include:

• Evaluating alertness and activity level.
• Examining the eyes, nose, throat, ears, and neck.
• Measuring body temperature.
• Measuring breathing rate and looking for other signs of breathing difficulties.
• Listening to the lungs and heart. The health professional specifically listens for:
  • Fluid in the lung cavity that may indicate pneumonia. Fluid makes crackling sounds or bubbling noises (rales) in affected areas of the lung.
  • Air through small breathing tubes that are narrowed by inflammation, fluid, or spasm (wheezing). These sounds mean your child may have bronchiolitis.

Adults who have an increased risk of developing complications from RSV infection, especially those who are older than 65, may have a similar physical exam.