Reye's (RIZE) syndrome is a potentially fatal disease of the brain and
liver. Ralph Douglas Reye (RYE) was an Australian pathologist who
first described the syndrome in young children, and the condition soon
after became known as 'Reye's syndrome.' It's not known exactly what
causes the disease, although it usually occurs in a child who's had a viral
infection with a high fever, such as chicken pox, flu, or an acute
upper-respiratory infection. The child generally appears to be
improving, then suddenly has a spell of repeated vomiting and nausea.
Other symptoms include irritability, confusion, and lethargy. It mostly
seems to strike children under age 18 who've been given aspirin or other
medications that contain salicylates (suh-LIH-suh-lates), such as bismuth
subsalicylates. If your child is sick, especially with a possible viral
infection such as flu or chicken pox, you should avoid giving such
medications. Reye's syndrome has been on the decline since 1980,
which is largely attributed to the widespread substitution of
acetaminophen (uh-see-tuh-MIN-nuh-fen) and other medications for
aspirin. Children who get Reye's syndrome must be hospitalized, so if
you notice any possible symptoms, call a healthcare professional.
