Reye syndrome is an extremely rare but serious illness that can affect the brain and liver. It's most common in kids who are recovering from a viral infection.
Reye syndrome is named after Australian pathologist R. Douglas Reye, who first reported it in 1963. It's still not well understood, but studies have linked it to the use of aspirin (salicylates) or aspirin products during viral disease.
The number of cases has dropped dramatically since this link was discovered and doctors started advising against giving aspirin to kids and teens, especially during viral illnesses.
About Reye Syndrome
Reye syndrome most often affects kids 4 to 14 years old. Most cases happen when viral diseases are epidemic, such as during the winter months or after an outbreak of chickenpox or the flu.
Symptoms can be so mild that they go unnoticed. In rare cases, though, Reye syndrome can cause death within hours. Because it is a potentially life-threatening disorder, Reye syndrome should be treated as a medical emergency.
Early detection and treatment are critical — the chances for a successful recovery are greater when Reye syndrome is treated in its earliest stages.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Reye syndrome almost always follow the start of a viral illness, such as an upper respiratory tract infection (a cold, the flu, etc.), a diarrheal illness, or chickenpox. Many cases are mild and may even go undetected; others can be severe and need aggressive care.
Reye syndrome can start from 1 day to 2 weeks after a viral infection. The viral illnesses that lead to it are contagious, but the syndrome itself is not.
Symptoms include:
- frequent vomiting
- tiredness or sleepiness
- in babies, diarrhea and rapid breathing
- irritability or aggressive behavior
Other symptoms include changes in vision, difficulty hearing, and abnormal speech. In the later stages, a child may behave irrationally; be confused; or have severe muscle weakness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. There usually is no fever.
Reye syndrome is now very rare, and only a few cases a year are reported in the United States. It should be considered, though, if a child is vomiting a lot or shows a change in mental status or behavior, particularly after a recent viral illness.