An important symptom that heralds RSV infection is rhinitis. One can find a sporadic complaint of rhinitis in adults and in children. It occurs due to the swelling of the nasal mucosa. The evidence of this swelling can be seen at the time of the medical check-up. A physical exam shows bulging and erythema of the tympanic membrane. Patients may have a blocked nose and find it difficult to breathe due to the infection. It starts as slimy nasal secretion; however, in the advanced stage of the illness, it can be so thick that a cat can hardly breathe via their nose. Also, sneezing more often may happen.
The nasal symptoms of rhinitis are a defense response of the nasal mucosa. The nose is a structure very susceptible to all danger-causing factors since this area is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, thereby causing multiple reactions. The rhinitis in the grown-ups will be milder, similar to the ordinary, innocuous chilly. However, in kids, the symptoms can be especially nasty. The rhinitis will make it hard for the kids to eat and sleep soundly. As a result, consistent symptom relief is the optimal treatment of RSV infection.