What is the treatment for HMPV?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been writing about my pregnant wife who is 31 years old and has got HMPV. Her breathing is so bad she cannot finish sentences. Her ob-gyn is worried because her oxygen keeps dropping to 90 % with activity. I have been coughing non-stop and throwing up. Her asthma seems way worse and I have been using an inhaler every two hours but it barely helps. I noticed less baby movement since yesterday and her heart rate stayed high 122 beats per minute. I tried the steroid inhaler but it made her so shaky. Should we head to labor and delivery or regular ER? I am terrified this will hurt the baby.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Given the symptoms your wife is experiencing, it is important to err on the side of caution and seek medical help right away. With her oxygen saturation dropping to 90 % with activity, worsening asthma, persistent cough, vomiting, and decreased fetal movement, this is concerning for both her health and the well-being of the baby. You should head directly to labor and delivery, rather than a regular ER, for the following reasons:

1. Pregnancy-related care: Labor and delivery units are equipped to handle both maternal and fetal concerns, with immediate access to obstetric care and the necessary monitoring for both your wife and the baby.

2. Fetal well-being: The decreased fetal movement and elevated heart rate are concerning, as they may signal distress in the baby, which can be more closely monitored and addressed in a labor and delivery setting.

3. Severe respiratory distress: Your wife’s breathing difficulties, oxygen desaturation, and the fact that asthma is poorly controlled despite inhaler use require urgent intervention. Oxygen therapy, further respiratory treatments, and possible additional medications can be administered in the hospital setting.

4. Possible complications of HMPV: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause severe respiratory distress, and pregnancy may make the situation more complex. Immediate care can help prevent complications for both her and the baby.

If you have not already, have her call her doctor to update them on her symptoms before heading to the hospital, but going straight to labor and delivery is the safest course of action right now. Also, go to a hospital with a pulmonologist. Stay calm and focus on getting her the urgent care she needs.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.