Baby aspirin can sound like a medication meant for children but the truth is just the opposite. Giving aspirin to your child can cause a serious and life-threatening disorder. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, never give aspirin to your child to treat fever or other conditions.
Baby Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin, also called baby aspirin, is typically used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults. Aspirin lowers your body's blood clotting activity, thus reducing your risk for blood clots. Baby aspirin contains 81mg of aspirin and is specifically used to reduce risk of blood clots, while normal-strength aspirin contains 325mg and is used to lower fever and treat pain associated with viral illnesses such as flu. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you do not give aspirin to children under 19 years old.
Reye's Syndrome
Giving aspirin to your child can lead to a serious health condition called Reye's syndrome. The syndrome is life-threatening because it can affect all organs in your body and cause brain swelling, cardiac arrest and lung problems. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Reye's syndrome is typically associated with viral infection and can occur during recovery or three to five days after the infection. Symptoms of Reye's syndrome include vomiting, listlessness, irritability, convulsions, disorientation, confusion and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
The only treatment for Reye's syndrome is to manage the symptoms of the disease including decreasing brain swelling, reversing metabolic injury and preventing lung and heart complications. Your child has an excellent chance of recovery if the syndrome is diagnosed and treated early. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recommends you call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms associated with Reye's syndrome after viral infection.
Fever Medications
The two recommended fever-reducing medications for children are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, ibuprofen should only be given to children older than 6 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. You should not treat a fever under 102 degrees Fahrenheit unless your child has a history of seizures or is very uncomfortable. Always consult your doctor before giving your child any fever-reducing medications.
Considerations
Avoid giving your child aspirin of any strength. Besides aspirin pills, several medications contain aspirin, including medications targeted to treat cold and flu. Check the labels for signs of aspirin, also known as salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid and acetylsalicylate.
References
- "Your Baby's First Year"; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2nd edition; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks; June 2010
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: NINDS Reye's Syndrome Information Page
- National Reye's Syndrome Foundation: Ingredients to Avoid
