Reye's syndrome
Overview
Reye's syndrome is a very rare condition that can affect children or young adults after they've had an illness like flu or chickenpox. It can cause serious brain problems if it's not treated quickly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Reye's syndrome often start 1 to 3 weeks after a child recovers from a virus like flu or chickenpox. The child may: keep being sick (vomiting)be drowsy and lack energyfeel confusedhave changes in their behaviour, such as being irritable or aggressivebreathe quickly and have a fast heart ratehave fits (seizures)lose consciousness Reye's syndrome most commonly affects children between 5 and 14 years of age. Younger and older children can also sometimes get it, but it's very rare in babies under the age of 1 and in those over the age of 18.
Causes
The exact cause of Reye's syndrome is unknown. It's been linked to the use of a type of medicine known as salicylates, particularly aspirin, in young people and children under 16. Sometimes a child with a rare genetic condition, such as medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), can get Reye's syndrome. This has nothing to do with the use of aspirin.
Treatment
If your child has Reye's syndrome, they'll need to go into hospital straight away for treatment. Treatments for Reye's syndrome may include: help with breathing using an oxygen machinefluids given directly into a vein to help prevent dehydrationmedicines to help treat and manage symptoms Most children with Reye's syndrome make a full recovery if it's treated quickly. But some children can have long-term brain problems.
Prevention
There are things you can do to reduce your child's chance of getting Reye's syndrome. think about getting yourchild vaccinated against fluand other common viruses think about getting yourchild vaccinated against fluand other common viruses do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16, unless their doctor prescribes it do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16, unless their doctor prescribes it do not give children under 16 any medicines that contain salicylic acid or salicylate, which includes some mouth ulcer gels – ask a pharmacist for advice about alternatives suitable for children do not give children under 16 any medicines that contain salicylic acid or salicylate, which includes some mouth ulcer gels – ask a pharmacist for advice about alternatives suitable for children