Aspirin helps reduce the symptoms of illness by blocking the mechanisms that cause fever and pain in the body. Aspirin and aspirin-containing medications typically treat the symptoms of flu and cold. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against its use for babies and children. Never give aspirin to your baby, because it can cause a life-threatening condition.
Reye's Syndrome
Aspirin use is one cause of a serious health condition called Reye's syndrome. The syndrome affects all the organs, including the brain, liver, lungs and heart. Reye's syndrome typically occurs in conjunction with a viral infection, such as the flu or chicken pox, and the symptoms include vomiting, personality changes, disorientation, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness. The symptoms occur during recovery from the viral illness or three to five days after.
Treatment
Currently, no cure exists for Reye's syndrome, and the only treatment is to manage the symptoms of the disease. Your doctor can help decrease brain swelling, reverse metabolic injury and prevent complications that occur in the lungs and the heart. If the syndrome is diagnosed early, your child has an excellent chance for a full recovery. The severity of the disease is associated with the degree of swelling in the brain, so early intervention is crucial. If you notice any of the symptoms associated with Reye's syndrome soon after viral infection, immediately call your pediatrician, advises the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Alternative Medications
Treat your baby's fever or pain with alternative medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is safe to give to children of all ages; you should only give ibuprofen to babies older than 6 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although these medications are generally safe, they can cause toxicity if given in too high doses. Always consult your doctor before giving any fever-reducing medications to your baby.
Considerations
Although Reye's syndrome primarily affects children, it can occur at any age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you never give aspirin or products that contain aspirin to children under 19 years of age. Several medications contain aspirin, also known as salicylic acid, acetylsalicylate, acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate compound. Always check the labels on medications before giving them to your baby. If you are unsure whether a medication has aspirin, call your doctor or consult the pharmacist.
References
- "Your Baby's First Year, 2nd edition"; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2005
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: NINDS Reye's Syndrome Information Page
