1. An Aspirin a Day is Not Always the Way
An aspirin a day is good for your heart if you are an adult. When given to children, however, aspirin can be dangerous, even deadly. This standard pain reliever found in most homes is associated with Reye's syndrome (RS). The uncommon but grave illness usually targets children between the ages of 4 and 12 who are recuperating from a viral infection, such as chickenpox, influenza or the common cold. While all body organs are susceptible, RS is most injurious to the brain and liver. Currently, there is no known cure for Reye's syndrome.
2. Early RS Detection is a Real Lifesaver
In most cases, detecting Reye's syndrome early means the difference between life and death. Reye's syndrome is swift moving and requires quick action. RS sufferers often become ill within seven days of contracting an infection. Infants under the age of two begin with diarrhea and rapid breathing. Early signs in older victims include frequent vomiting, insomnia or sluggishness. As it advances, RS sufferers may become upset, restless, combative, disoriented, confused, feverish, lethargic or unconscious. Speech, vision and hearing difficulties and muscle weakness also can develop. Contact your physician immediately and go directly to the nearest emergency room if your child exhibits these symptoms.
3. Tests Tell the Story
Properly diagnosing Reye's syndrome increases your child's chances for recovery. Liver function tests that indicate elevated enzyme levels yield results within several hours. Unusual readings indicate the presence of RS. Your physician or pediatrician also uses the following diagnostic tools to confirm Reye's syndrome: blood tests to establish glucose levels, urine tests, a liver biopsy; a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head scan to eliminate other possible causes and possibly a spinal tap to examine fluid in the spinal column.
4. Hospitals Provide Help and Hope
Reye's syndrome treatment attempts to halt organ damage and avert further problems and requires a hospital stay. Medical staff in a hospital's intensive care unit administer fluids intravenously that may include sodium, potassium and chloride. Additionally the hospital staff will monitor vital signs, draw blood regularly, monitor kidney function via a catheter and administer drugs to limit brain swelling. In extreme cases, respirators relieve breathing difficulty. Chances for recovery depend on the degree of brain swelling. Some sufferers fully recover, while others may experience brain damage.
5. Forewarned Is Forearmed
Never give aspirin or pain relievers that contain aspirin to children under age 18 unless instructed to do so by a physician. Instead, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Youngsters with a chronic disease, such as Kawasaki or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, may benefit from drugs that contain aspirin. In such cases, be sure your child's vaccines are up-to-date, especially their chickenpox and annual influenza vaccines.
