How to Help My Baby with RSV Symptoms? - #49682
My 10 week old who is 17 pounds has rsv what can I do will Castro oil rub on his chest. I know that he should have steam and he should have his nose suctioned. He is healthy happy but his breathing is causing an issue.
How severe are your baby's breathing difficulties?:
- Moderate, frequent coughingHas your baby had any previous respiratory issues?:
- No, this is the first timeWhat other treatments have you tried for your baby's condition?:
- Steam and nasal suctioning

Doctors' responses
Hello I can understand your concern and I need to be super clear 'cause we’re talking about a 10-week-old baby, and RSV can get bad, FAST. Your little is only 2½ months old. He might seem okay, but trouble breathing is a HUGE warning sign with RSV. LISTEN UP – What NOT to do: –NO castor oil or any oil on his chest! It can clog his skin, make breathing worse, and even get into his lungs and cause problems. –No essential oils –No vapor rub – No menthol –No strong herbal smells These are all a no-go for babies. Why RSV is so risky right now: At 10 weeks old: • His airways are TINY • Mucus blocks them super easily • He can’t cough it up himself • His oxygen levels can drop really fast RSV can go from mild to serious in just a few hours. The MOST important thing: How is he breathing? Go to the ER RIGHT AWAY if you see: • Breathing faster than 60 breaths a minute • His chest is sucking in under his ribs • His nose is flaring • He’s making grunting sounds • His lips or fingers are turning blue • He’s not eating well • He’s sleeping way too much • He’s vomiting when he coughs If you see ANY of these signs → get to a hospital ✅ What you SHOULD do at home (safely): 1Steam up the BATHROOM (not the baby!) Run a hot shower and close the bathroom door. Sit in the steamy room with your baby for 10–15 minutes. Do this 2–3 times a day. DON’T put the baby right over the steam. 2. Keep him UPRIGHT Keep the baby: • With his head up a bit • On your chest • Upright after he eats This helps stop mucus from pooling. 3.Feed him smaller amounts, more often RSV can make babies tired when they eat. Smaller feeds help keep him from choking and getting worn out. No cough syrup, no herbal stuff Babies under 6 months: ❌ No ayurvedic stuff ❌ No home stuff ❌ No honey ❌ No oil RSV is treated by helping him breathe, not with medications. Really Important fact: There’s no cure for RSV. The danger is when they can’t breathe, not the virus itself. Most babies get better in about a week or so. But some need extra oxygen or fluids from an IV. Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
AT TEN WEEKS OF AGE BREATHING ISSUES MUST ALWAYS BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY EVEN IF THE BABY OTHERWISE LOOKS HAPPY AND ACTIVE WITH RSV IN SUCH A YOUNG BABY SYMPTOMS CAN CHANGE QUICKLY SO CLOSE MEDICAL OBSERVATION IS VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU NOTICE FAST BREATHING CHEST RETRACTIONS PAUSES IN BREATHING POOR FEEDING BLUISH LIPS OR EXCESSIVE SLEEPINESS PLEASE SEEK PEDIATRIC CARE OR EMERGENCY HELP WITHOUT DELAY CASTOR OIL SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED ON THE CHEST OF A TEN WEEK OLD BABY IT IS A STRONG HEAVY OIL AND INFANT SKIN ABSORBS SUBSTANCES VERY EASILY WHICH CAN CAUSE IRRITATION OR BREATHING DISCOMFORT SO PLEASE AVOID IT DIRECT STEAM IS ALSO NOT SAFE FOR INFANTS DUE TO BURN RISK INSTEAD YOU CAN USE A COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER IN THE ROOM OR CREATE HUMID AIR BY RUNNING A WARM SHOWER IN THE BATHROOM WHILE KEEPING THE BABY AWAY FROM DIRECT STEAM SALINE NOSE DROPS FOLLOWED BY VERY GENTLE SUCTION ARE SAFE AND HELPFUL ESPECIALLY BEFORE FEEDS AND SLEEP KEEP THE BABY SLIGHTLY UPRIGHT WHILE FEEDING AND RESTING AS THIS HELPS EASE BREATHING FROM AN AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW AT THIS AGE WE DO NOT GIVE INTERNAL MEDICINES AND WE AVOID STRONG EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS THE FOCUS IS ONLY ON WARMTH COMFORT CLEAR AIRWAYS AND GOOD HYDRATION PLEASE STAY IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN RSV IS USUALLY SELF LIMITING BUT IN YOUNG INFANTS IT NEEDS CAREFUL MONITORING YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING BY BEING ALERT AND PROTECTIVE
when such a small baby has breathing difficulty at this age castor oil or any oil should not be applied on the chest as strong smell and oily application can make breathing uncomfortable and may irritate sensitive skin the safest support is to keep the nose clear with saline drops and gentle suction especially before feeding and sleep steam can be used only indirectly by sitting in a warm steamy bathroom for a few minutes without direct exposure keep feeds frequent even if smaller in quantity and keep the baby slightly upright after feeds and during coughing spells breathing should be watched very closely and if there is fast breathing chest pulling nostril flaring poor feeding unusual sleepiness or bluish color around lips or face please seek immediate pediatric care as RSV in this age group needs close medical supervision

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