Breathing problems like greater frequency of breaths
Is it contagious?
No, Reye syndrome is not contagious.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for Reye syndrome.
Early diagnosis is important.
Your child will be admitted to the hospital.
He may have several thin flexible tubes put into him. These tubes will give him medicines and check on blood pressure.
He may also have a breathing tube put into his lungs. This helps to decrease brain swelling.
How long does it last?
The length of the illness differs from person-to-person.
Some children get better in a few weeks.
But, brain damage could last a lifetime.
What is the prognosis?
It depends directly on how much brain swelling happens.
If treated early, many children get better without any long-term problems. Some children may still have problems or die even if treated early.
If treated later, damage can range from little problems to extreme brain injury.
If Reye syndrome is not treated, death within a few days is common.
Because it happens so fast, parents should know the early signs and symptoms.
Can it be prevented?
Because we do not know what causes Reye syndrome, it is difficult to prevent it.
To decrease the risk of getting it, DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ASPIRIN, unless your doctor says to.
Other names for aspirin:
Acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylate
Salicylic acid
Salicylate
Common medicines that have aspirin in them:
4-Way Cold Tablets
Alka-Seltzer
Anacin
Anacin Maximum Strength
Aspergum
Bufferin
Bufferin Extra-Strength
Coricidin
Coricidin Demilets
Dristan Tablets
Excedrin
Medilets
Pepto Bismol
Triaminicin
Call your pharmicist or doctor if you do not know if the medicine has aspirin in it.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if your child vomits every hour or two for more than 12 hours. This is important if he is just getting over a flu-like illness or the chickenpox.
Call your doctor if you have questions about what medicine your child should take for his illness.
Call your pharmacist or doctor if you do not know if the medicine has aspirin in it.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Reye syndrome is a rare and dangerous illness.
Children and teenagers are most at risk, especially those between 3 and 12 years old.
It usually happens after taking aspirin during or after a viral illness like the chickenpox, influenza, or other airway illnesses.
It most often affects the brain and liver, but it can hurt all organs of the body.
Vomiting over and over again within a 12-hour period is often the first symptom.
To decrease the risk of getting it, DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ASPIRIN.
Recovery is directly related to how much swelling happens in the brain. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important.
Call your doctor if your child vomits every hour or two for more than 12 hours. This is important if he is just getting over a flu-like illness or the chickenpox.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Reye Syndrome. 2000. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb_for_printer.cfm?article_ID=ZZZKM6MUEDC&sub_cat=24
American Liver Foundation. Reye's Syndrome. 2002-2003. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.liverfoundation.org/cgi-bin/dbs/articles.cgi?db=articles&uid=default&ID=1050&view_records=1
MayoClinic.com. Reye's syndrome. 2004, February 18. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/printinvoker.cfm?objectid=E9612586-2CF3-4EA2-8AC437141CB43D0E
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Reye's Syndrome Information Page. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/reyes_syndrome.htm
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, Inc. What is Reye's Syndrome. 2003. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.reyessyndrome.org
Reynolds, Leigh Ann. Reye's Syndrome. 1997 August. (cited 2004, March 17). URL: http://www.thearc.org/faqs/reyes.html
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