Reye’s syndrome is a very rare condition damaging many parts of the body, particularly the brain and the liver. Due to unknown reasons, the parts of the cells that make energy (mitochondria) stop working properly, leading to serious disorder. The majority of serious problems are swelling of the brain and problems with the breakdown of fat, which makes it build up in the liver and several other organs. The condition can be deadly, particularly if not detected at an early stage and treated properly.
Even though Reye’s syndrome may take place at any age, most often it strikes children between 3 and 12 years of age.
Reye’s syndrome normally happens a few days after the kid is recovering from a viral infection, such as the flu, common cold or chickenpox. Moreover, it may develop while the child is still ill, several days after the viral illness starts. While the precise cause of Reye’s syndrome is unknown to scientists, they are convinced that it is in some cases caused by an anomalous response to aspirin or similar medications taken during a viral illness. Due to this reason, do not give aspirin to children with fever or a flu-like illness.
Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome
The most common symptoms may include:
* Frequent vomiting (every several hours over a day or two) that does not stop even when not eating or drinking
* Extreme sleepiness (lethargy)
* Confusion
* Irritability and combativeness
* Quick breathing (hyperventilation)
* Loss of consciousness
* Seizures
In infants, the symptoms of Reye’s syndrome may be very different from this usual pattern. For instance, infants with Reye’s syndrome vomit very seldom.
Diagnosis
The healthcare professional may suspect that a kid has Reye’s syndrome based on the symptoms and a history of very recent viral disorder. Blood tests, along with tests of liver function, will have to be performed. Frequently other tests are needed in order to confirm the diagnosis, such as:
* A biopsy of the liver — A small piece of the liver is removed and tested.
* A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) — A needle is used in order to remove fluid from the spinal cord so that it can be trsted.
Reye’s syndrome can be very complicated to diagnose, and it is sometimes mistaken for other severe conditions, including: encephalitis, meningitis, uncontrolled diabetes or medication overdose.
Expected Duration
How long does it take to recover entirely from Reye’s syndrome? Everything depends on how much the brain has swelled. Patients with mild disorder typically recover very fast and entirely.
Means of Prevention
Even though a clear connection between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome has not yet been proven, specialists agree that in order to prevent Reye’s syndrome, the safest approach is not to give aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to children. Read labels very watchfukky. Search for the word aspirin and other words related that also mean aspirin: acetylsalicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid or salicylate. If it is necessary, non-aspirin medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), for example, should be used instead.
Treatment
The method of treatment depends on the symptoms, however all patients suffering from Reye’s syndrome must be treated in a hospital and observed closely. Treatment concentrates on protecting the brain from irreversible damage by preventing or decreasing brain swelling.
Specific methods of treatment may include:
* Giving fluids containing sugar and salts intravenously (into a vein)
* Medicines (for instance, to reduce brain swelling or treat problems resulting from liver failure)
* Intubation (inserting a tube that makes it easier to breath)
Patients suffering from more severe illness are normally treated in an intensive care unit.
When To Contact A Specialist
Reye’s syndrome is a severe, life-threatening disease. If your kid has had a viral infection and reveals any symptoms of Reye’s syndrome, contact your healthcare professional without any hesitation.
Prognosis
If Reye’s Syndrome is diagnosed early and treated immediately, the likelihood of recovery is very high. Some patients will recover entirely, whereas others may suffer permanent brain damage. The outlook is worse for patients with Reye’s syndrome who quickly become unconscious. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the likelihood of successful recovery and survival is not high. If Reye’s syndrome is not treated, death is frequent, normally within several days.
