What is Reye Syndrome?
Reye Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. It mainly affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox.
Causes
- The exact cause isn’t fully understood.
- It has been linked to giving aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines to children during viral illnesses.
- Because of this, aspirin is generally not recommended for children or teenagers with viral infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear a few days after a viral illness and may include:
- Persistent or continuous vomiting 🤮
- Confusion, irritability, or aggressive behavior 😕😠
- Lethargy or excessive sleepiness 😴
- Seizures or convulsions ⚡
- Loss of consciousness or coma 🛌
How does it affect the body?
- Causes fatty liver damage (impaired liver function)
- Leads to brain swelling (encephalopathy), which can affect brain function and cause neurological symptoms
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose Reye Syndrome by:
- Blood tests to check liver function and ammonia levels
- Brain scans to detect swelling
- Medical history and symptoms
Treatment
- Hospital care is critical, often in an intensive care unit (ICU)
- Supportive care to manage brain swelling and maintain vital functions
- Monitoring and treating complications
Prevention
- Avoid giving aspirin or aspirin-containing products to children and teenagers, especially during viral infections.
- Use alternative fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, but only as recommended by a healthcare provider.