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Preschoolers and Reye's Syndrome
In many households, a preschooler coming home with sniffles and a cough may seem rather commonplace -- illnesses are bound to happen. That's why preschooler parents should be aware of a rare, but serious disorder called Reye’s Syndrome. It's often associated with illnesses that start as a cold or flu, though it ends much more seriously. Its cause is unknown, but research has uncovered important details about Reye’s syndrome that no parent should overlook.
Because Reye’s Syndrome is such a rare disorder, it is not often at the forefront of public attention. In 1963, Dr. R. Douglas Rye (pronounced “rye”) first detailed this syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome usually occurs after (but sometimes during) a viral illness like the flu, cold or the chicken pox. It makes sense that the peak of diagnoses occur during the cold season, particularly January, February and March, however, diagnoses of Reye's occur all year long. All age groups can be affected by Reye's Syndrome, but those ages 4 to 12 are most commonly afflicted.
One of the most unsettling things about this disorder is how it can sneak up on you. While your preschooler may seem to be recovering from their virus, frequent vomiting then starts to occur. Fatigue, irritability and confusion can then set in and consciousness may start to wane. Other symptoms include seizures, weakness in the limbs, unusual limb posture, speech problems, and double vision. All of these symptoms may not occur and can vary. Additionally, a fever is typically not associated with Reye’s Syndrome and the condition is not contagious. Without proper and timely treatment, Reye’s Syndrome can quickly cause death.
Though the cause is unknown, what is known is that unusually high amounts of fat begin developing around the organs, particularly the liver. The fluid pressure on the brain also rises dramatically. These physiological changes lead to rapid development of the symptoms listed above and potential death over a few days. Though aspirin does not cause Reye’s Syndrome, research shows that over 90 percent of those afflicted took aspirin during the course of their preceding illness. That’s why it is imperative that aspirin and other products containing salicylate (phonetically pronounced suh-lie-seh-late) including some anti-nausea medications, Pepto-Bismol, and more, are not recommended for your preschooler during illness for symptom relief. A more thorough (though not complete) salicylate medication list is here.
By: Pia Chaparro
2. National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001565.htm on 28 January 2008
Disclaimer: Any information provided on PreschoolRock Health is for informational and educational purposes only. Please see a health care provider if you have any medical concerns. PreschoolRock.com, its owners, agents and authors shall not be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use or misuse of the material contained in this web site.
Because Reye’s Syndrome is such a rare disorder, it is not often at the forefront of public attention. In 1963, Dr. R. Douglas Rye (pronounced “rye”) first detailed this syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome usually occurs after (but sometimes during) a viral illness like the flu, cold or the chicken pox. It makes sense that the peak of diagnoses occur during the cold season, particularly January, February and March, however, diagnoses of Reye's occur all year long. All age groups can be affected by Reye's Syndrome, but those ages 4 to 12 are most commonly afflicted.
One of the most unsettling things about this disorder is how it can sneak up on you. While your preschooler may seem to be recovering from their virus, frequent vomiting then starts to occur. Fatigue, irritability and confusion can then set in and consciousness may start to wane. Other symptoms include seizures, weakness in the limbs, unusual limb posture, speech problems, and double vision. All of these symptoms may not occur and can vary. Additionally, a fever is typically not associated with Reye’s Syndrome and the condition is not contagious. Without proper and timely treatment, Reye’s Syndrome can quickly cause death.
Though the cause is unknown, what is known is that unusually high amounts of fat begin developing around the organs, particularly the liver. The fluid pressure on the brain also rises dramatically. These physiological changes lead to rapid development of the symptoms listed above and potential death over a few days. Though aspirin does not cause Reye’s Syndrome, research shows that over 90 percent of those afflicted took aspirin during the course of their preceding illness. That’s why it is imperative that aspirin and other products containing salicylate (phonetically pronounced suh-lie-seh-late) including some anti-nausea medications, Pepto-Bismol, and more, are not recommended for your preschooler during illness for symptom relief. A more thorough (though not complete) salicylate medication list is here.
The Key Tips for Reye's Syndrome
Do not give your preschooler aspirin during times of illness to relieve symptoms unless specifically given permission by your pediatrician. Also, if you notice the symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome listed above, you must get your preschooler to the ER immediately. Treatment and evaluation during the acute phase of Reye’s Syndrome dramatically increases the chances of survival.By: Pia Chaparro
References:
1. National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.reyessyndrome.org on 28 January 20082. National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001565.htm on 28 January 2008
Disclaimer: Any information provided on PreschoolRock Health is for informational and educational purposes only. Please see a health care provider if you have any medical concerns. PreschoolRock.com, its owners, agents and authors shall not be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use or misuse of the material contained in this web site.