Reye Syndrome

Home Treatment

Home treatment is not appropriate if your child has symptoms of Reye syndrome. Get medical care immediately, even if your child has not had a recent viral infection or taken aspirin. Early medical treatment lowers the risk of long-term complications and death.

You can help prevent Reye syndrome. Because there is a strong link between the use of aspirin in children and the development of Reye syndrome, do not give aspirin or products that contain aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless directed by a doctor. This is especially important if the child has chickenpox (varicella) or the flu (influenza).

Aspirin is found in many over-the-counter medicines. Read labels carefully before giving medicine to your child. Aspirin is also called:

• Acetyl salicylate.
• Acetylsalicylic acid.
• Salicylic acid.
• Salicylate or subsalicylate.

These aspirin products are found in Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and Alka Seltzer, for instance.

Certain childhood illnesses, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, may require aspirin as part of the treatment. But give aspirin to a child only with direction from your doctor.

If your child is taking aspirin and gets chickenpox (varicella) or the flu (influenza), contact your doctor immediately.

A child who is hospitalized for Reye syndrome may take several weeks to recover after returning home. While caring for your child, ask relatives or reliable babysitters to periodically relieve you. Get recommendations from your doctor if you need additional help. You will be better able to help your child if you are not overtired.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: September 18, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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