What is reye syndrome?

Reye syndrome is a rare, serious illness. Children with Reye syndrome have vomiting, confusion, brain swelling, and seizures. They can get very sick very fast.

Children who have an illness, such as the flu or chickenpox, are most likely to get Reye syndrome. This is especially true if a child who is sick or getting better from an illness takes aspirin or a medicine that has aspirin in it. Aspirin is found in some over-the-counter medicines, such as Alka-Seltzer and Pepto-Bismol. Aspirin is also called acetyl salicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, or subsalicylate. It is important to read all labels.

You can reduce your child's chance of getting Reye syndrome. To lower the risk, never give your child aspirin. Some health problems might be treated with aspirin medicine. This includes problems such as Kawasaki disease. If this is true for your child, talk to your doctor about your child's treatment options. If the doctor prescribes aspirin, talk to them about how to give it safely.

Reye syndrome often starts when a child is recovering from a viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 7 days after the viral illness starts. They may develop over several hours to a day or two.

The first symptoms may include:

• Sudden retching or vomiting.
• Lack of energy and loss of interest in things.
• Strange behavior, such as staring, irritability, personality changes, and slurred speech.
• Sleepiness.

As liver damage and brain damage get worse, other symptoms may develop, including:

• Confusion. Your child may not know where he or she is, recognize family or friends, or be able to answer simple questions.
• Fast, deep breathing (hyperventilation).
• Violent behavior, such as hitting others without reason.
• Seizures and coma.

If Reye syndrome is not treated quickly, it can cause death.

Reye syndrome is always treated in a hospital, often in the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal is to stop damage to the brain and liver and to prevent other problems. While in the hospital, your child will receive medicines to reduce brain swelling and will get other supportive care.

Reye syndrome can be scary for you and your child. Remember that most children recover with no problems. To help yourself and your child feel better:

• Talk with your doctor and the hospital staff about any questions or concerns you have about your child's care.
• Stay with your child, or visit often if you are not allowed to stay with your child in the ICU.
• Let your child have some favorite toys or belongings while in the hospital. This will help your child feel more secure.

The most important step you can take to prevent Reye syndrome is to not give aspirin or any product that contains aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless a doctor has prescribed it.

Always read the label before giving medicine to your child. Aspirin is found in many over-the-counter medicines, including ones you might not expect it to be in, such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and Alka-Seltzer. Aspirin is also called:

• Acetyl salicylate.
• Acetylsalicylic acid.
• Salicylic acid.
• Salicylate or subsalicylate.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your child's symptoms, recent aspirin use, and past health problems.

Your child may need tests such as blood and urine tests, a liver biopsy, a CT scan of the head, and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Give your child medicines exactly as prescribed. Call the doctor if you think your child is having a problem with the medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your child's doctor prescribes.
• Offer your child plenty of fluids. If your child has kidney, heart, or liver disease and has to limit fluids, talk with the doctor before you increase the amount of fluids.
• Give your child healthy foods. Make sure they get plenty of rest. This helps their body heal.
• Keep the lights dim if your child's eyes are sensitive to light.

Reye syndrome is a rare but serious disease that most often affects children ages 6 to 12 years old. It can cause brain swelling and liver damage. It may be related to using aspirin to treat viral infections.

Reye syndrome can lead to brain damage, liver damage, and death. But if the disease is found and treated early, most children recover from Reye syndrome in a few weeks and have no lasting problems.

Experts don't know what causes Reye syndrome. It often happens in children who have recently had a viral illness such as chickenpox or influenza (flu) and who took medicines that contain aspirin.

Reye syndrome cannot spread from child to child.