Reye’s syndrome is a very serious illness; this life-threatening illness is linked to aspirin use in children. And so, all of us need to be aware of what it is. The word needs to spread for it is a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain.
Aspirin simply if you don’t know is used to lessen fever and to relieve moderate to mild pain (like toothaches, muscle aches, common cold, headaches, etc).
Though aspirin is open for usage among children who are above 3 years, children and teenagers must never take aspirin when they are recovering from chickenpox or any other flu or even when they experience flu-like symptoms.
For treating the fever or pain consider giving your child -over counter fever and pain medication such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil, Motrin) as a safer alternative to aspirin. It is always better to talk to your doctor about any sort of concern.
Symptoms
In the case of Reye’s syndrome, a child’s sugar level ‘typically’ drops, while the levels of acidity and ammonia in his/her blood rise. Swelling may also occur in the brain leading to seizures, loss of consciousness. The liver may also swell and develop fatty deposits.
These signs and symptoms typically appear but 3-5 days later after the onset of a viral infection, like flu (influenza), chickenpox, or a respiratory infection such as cold.
Very First Symptoms and Signs:
Among children younger than age 2 -
- Diarrhea
- Rapid breathing
Among older children and teenagers -
- Persistent vomiting
- Lethargy or Unusual Sleepiness
Additionally:
If the condition progresses, the signs and symptoms become more intense which may include
- Confusion, irritability, or irrational behavior
- Disorientation or hallucinations
- Seizures
- Excessive or unusual lethargy
- Decreased level of consciousness
It demands emergency treatment. Never ignore such symptoms and signs as if they were a part of a normal flue.
See a Doctor, Do Not Delay
Early diagnosis of Reye’s syndrome can keep a child`s life. Seek instant emergency medical help if your child has seizures, convulsions, or loses consciousness.
Contact your child’s doctor if your child experiences the following after a bout with the flu - repetitive vomit, becoming unusually sleepy or lethargic, having sudden behavior changes.
Causes
The exact cause of this syndrome is however unknown, apart from this several factors may play role in its development. The syndrome appears to be triggered by using aspirin to deal with a viral infection.
Also with the children have fatty acid oxidation disorders - a group of inherited metabolic disorders in which the body is not able to break down fatty acids because the concerned enzyme is lacking or isn't working properly.
Additionally, in a few cases, the signs and manifestations of Reye's can be copied through a primary metabolic condition uncovered by a viral illness.
The most typically taking place rare problem is medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency. Exposure to certain toxins such as insecticides, herbicides, and paint thinners can also additionally produce signs much like the ones of Reye’s syndrome, however, those toxins don't cause Reye's syndrome.
Complications Involved
Most kids who've Reye’s syndrome survive however various ranges of everlasting mind damage are possible. And with outright diagnosis, this syndrome may be deadly within some days only.
Prevention
Sometimes aspirin goes by other names too,
- Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylate
- Salicylic acid
- Salicylate
If a child needs an aspirin treatment, make sure their vaccines are current includes portions of varicella (chickenpox) vaccination and yearly flu vaccination. Avoiding those viral illnesses can help prevent Reye’s syndrome.
To Sum It Up
Reye’s syndrome is often treated under hospitalization. In serious cases the child will be treated in ICU (intensive care units) There is no cure to it, the treatment is supportive focusing on reducing complications and symptoms.
The sooner Reye's syndrome is analyzed, the better it is for the kid. If someone progresses to late tiers of the syndrome, they may end up with permanent brain damage. Check to ensure that over-the-counter cool meds don't have aspirin prior to giving them to the kids.
There is no specific treatment for Reye`s syndrome beyond supportive care and aggressive tracking for complications. For most pain aspirin works like a charm however not in the case of Reye`s and coronary heartaches and diseases.
So the best advice is- always recommend to a doctor rather than taking self-help, especially in such sensitive cases. Never take aspirin without a doctor’s prescription.
Written By - Riya Gupta
Edited By - Harshdeep Kaur
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