Reye’s syndrome in children – causes, symptoms and treatment

Reye syndrome is a rare but potentially serious disease that can affect children and adolescents. In this article we will discuss what Reye’s syndrome is, its causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this disease. We invite you to read.

What is reye’s syndrome?

Reye syndrome is a rare disease that mainly affects children and adolescents aged 4 to 18. It is characterized by acute encephalopathy (brain damage) and acute liver damage. The disease can be very serious and lead to serious neurological and liver complications.

Reye’s syndrome – causes

The causes of Reye’s syndrome are not fully understood, but there is a certain relationship between the disease and the use of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which is the main ingredient of aspirin. Therefore, Reye’s syndrome often appears in children who have taken aspirin during viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox.

Reye’s syndrome – symptoms

The symptoms of Reye’s syndrome may vary depending on the stage of the disease, but the most common are:

• Increase in intracranial pressure, which may lead to headaches and vomiting.
• Consciousness disorders and even coma.
• Liver problems such as jaundice.
• Tremors, convulsions and loss of motor coordination.
• Changes in behavior and mood.

Reye’s syndrome – diagnosis

Reye’s syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Your doctor will need to perform thorough blood and imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Reye’s syndrome – treatment

Treatment of Reye’s syndrome is complicated and requires hospitalization. The main goal of therapy is to maintain liver function and control intracranial pressure. If convulsions occur, appropriate antiepileptic drugs are used. It is also important to avoid medications containing ASA.

Reye’s syndrome – prevention

The best form of prevention of Reye’s syndrome is to avoid giving children medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) during viral infections. Instead, use safe painkillers and antipyretics that do not contain ASA. It is also important to educate parents and guardians on this topic.

Your suggestions

It is always worth remembering that Reye’s syndrome is a rare disease, but it can have serious consequences. If you have any doubts about your child’s health, always consult your doctor. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about children’s health, we recommend you read other articles on our website. There you will find a lot of useful information about the prevention and treatment of various childhood diseases.

It is always worth taking care of the health of our youngest children, because their well-being and future depend on us.