What causes Reye syndrome?

What causes Reye syndrome?

The exact cause of Reye’s syndrome is unknown, but it most commonly affects children and young adults recovering from a viral infection – for example a cold, flu or chickenpox. In most cases, aspirin has been used to treat their symptoms, so aspirin may trigger Reye’s syndrome.

Why does aspirin cause Reye’s syndrome?

The proposed mechanism for aspirin contributing to the development of Reye’s syndrome is related to mitochondrial damage that can be caused by salicylates, which may be intensified during viral illness by endotoxins and cytokines.

How is Reye syndrome characterized?

Background: Reye’s syndrome is characterized by encephalopathy and fatty degeneration of the liver, usually after influenza or varicella. Beginning in 1980, warnings were issued about the use of salicylates in children with those viral infections because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

What is Reye syndrome aspirin?

Reye syndrome is a rare but serious disease that most often affects children ages 6 to 12 years old. It can cause brain swelling and liver damage. It may be related to using aspirin to treat viral infections. Reye syndrome can lead to brain damage, liver damage, and death.

What happens in Reye’s syndrome?

In Reye’s syndrome, a child’s blood sugar level typically drops while the levels of ammonia and acidity in his or her blood rise. At the same time, the liver may swell and develop fatty deposits. Swelling may also occur in the brain, which can cause seizures, convulsions or loss of consciousness.

Is aspirin safe for child?

Aspirin is associated with a risk of Reye’s syndrome in children. Therefore, you should not give aspirin to a child or teen unless specifically directed by a doctor. Other OTC medications may also contain the salicylates found in aspirin.

At what age can a child safely take aspirin?

Prevention. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This includes plain aspirin and medications that contain aspirin.

What medications cause Reye’s syndrome?

Studies have found that the main risk factor for Reye’s syndrome is taking aspirin or other related drugs, called salicylates. Because of this, doctors recommend that children and teenagers recovering from viral infections should avoid taking aspirin.

Can diclofenac cause Reye syndrome?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including sodium diclofenac and mefenamic acid, are thought to produce or worsen Reye syndrome.

What age is aspirin safe?

What are the side effects of aspirin?

COMMON side effects

• conditions of excess stomach acid secretion.
• irritation of the stomach or intestines.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• heartburn.
• stomach cramps.

Who is at risk for Reye syndrome?

Reye’s syndrome usually occurs in children who have had a recent viral infection, such as chickenpox or the flu. Taking aspirin to treat such an infection greatly increases the risk of Reye’s. Both chickenpox and the flu can cause headaches. That is why it is important to not use aspirin to treat a child’s headache.

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