Definition of Reye Syndrome
Reye’s syndrome (RS) is primarily a disease of children, although it can occur at any age. It affects all organs of the body that is the most dangerous in the brain and liver – causing an acute increase of pressure within the brain and, often the accumulation of fat mass in the liver and other organs. RS is defined as a two-phase illness because it generally occurs in conjunction with a previous viral infection, such as flu or chicken pox (chicken pox). The disorder commonly occurs during recovery from viral infection, although it can also develop 3 to 5 days after the onset of viral disease. RS is often misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, drug overdose, poisoning, infant death syndrome sudden, or psychiatric (mental) disease.The symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome
The symptoms of Reye syndrome include:
- persistent or recurrent vomiting,
- lethargy,
- personality changes including irritability or aggressive,
- disorientation or confusion,
- delirium (delirium),
- convulsions, and
- loss of consciousness.
If symptoms are present during or shortly after a viral illness, medical attention should be sought immediately. The symptoms of RS in infants do not follow the typical pattern: for example, vomiting does not always happen.
The cause of Reye’s Syndrome
The cause of RS remains a mystery. However studies have shown that using aspirin or salicylate-containing medications to treat viral illnesses increases the risk of developing RS. Physician should be consulted before giving a child any aspirin or anti-nausea drugs during a viral illness, which can mask the symptoms of RS.
