Reye syndrome is a rare but serious condition that typically develops among children younger than 15 years of age. It can affect all organs but often involves the brain and liver.
The condition is preceded by a viral infection, usually influenza or chickenpox. Even though the precise cause is unknown, it affects only a small number of children and likely linked with aspirin or aspirin-containing medications during a viral infection.
What are the indications?
Once a child develops a viral ailment, you should watch out for the pattern of Reye syndrome:
- The child might develop a viral infection such as influenza, chickenpox or an upper respiratory illness and then appears to improve.
- The child abruptly vomits repeatedly and frequently every 1-2 hours over a 24-36-hour period and becomes sleepy and turns into delirium, agitation or anger. In addition, confusion starts or the child becomes unresponsive.
- If the disease can progress, there is a high chance for seizures to occur and eventually progress into deep coma.
A doctor must be consulted as soon as possible if you suspect that the illness of a child follows this pattern. If a doctor is not available, bring the child to the nearest emergency department since it is vital to diagnose the condition as early as possible.
Prevention
With the help of warnings on the use of aspirin during viral ailments, the number of cases has drastically dropped.
It is vital not to provide aspirin or any medications containing aspirin to a child or teenager if he/she has a viral condition especially influenza or chickenpox. If a child requires medication for a mild case of fever or discomfort, provide him/her with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.