Reye’s syndrome is an extremely rare disorder, affecting fewer than one thousand cases in the united states per year. It is mainly seen in children and teenagers who are recovering from viral infections like influenza or chicken pox. Reye’s syndrome causes swelling in the liver and brain which can result in death. Aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome and should be avoided in children who are recovering from any type of virus. Aspirin does not cause Reye’s syndrome by itself, instead it seems to cause a rection in patient’s recovering from a viral infection. This is why aspirin should be avoided in children unless directed to take by a doctor. Due to the increased education about aspirin and childhood illnesses like chickenpox, the rate of Reye’s syndrome has dropped dramatically over the last few decades.
Reye’s syndrome typically begins within a week after a patient is recovering from a previous viral infection. If treatment is begun quickly, the prognosis is good for most patients. Death is a serious risk of Reye’s syndrome as is long-term brain damage. Treatment for Reye’s syndrome includes giving fluids containing sugars and salts intravenously, giving medications to reduce swelling in the brain and treat issues caused by liver failure, and sometimes inserting a tube to help a patient breathe.
1. Fever
Fever does not typically accompany Reye’s syndrome. The lack of fever when other symptoms are present is a red flag. Typically when symptoms like lethargy, excessive sleepiness, headache, and digestive issues are present with other illnesses, raised body temperature is also occurring. For example, meningitis can cause swelling in the brain but is usually accompanied by a high body temperature.
Physician’s will notice this lack of fever when making a diagnosis of Reye’s syndrome. A high body temperature is one of the body’s defenses against bacteria and viruses. The body raises its temperature because most bacteria and viruses cannot thrive in warmer environments. Reye’s syndrome is a collection of symptoms and not the effect of a bacteria or virus. This may be why the body does not produce a fever when these symptoms begin occurring.
2. Lethargy
Lethargy is a red flag when children are ill. Reye’s syndrome causes general lethargy which is persistent. Patients will seem groggy and excessively sleepy. Children may be difficult or impossible to rouse to full consciousness. It can be caused by swelling of the brain. If it begins occurring days after the onset of the flu or chickenpox, the patient should be seen immediately to rule out Reye’s syndrome. While Lethargy is a symptom of many minor conditions, it should always be taken seriously. Do not risk overlooking a serious condition by ignoring the basic signs of Lethargy.
3. Low Blood Sugar
When the liver starts to function incorrectly it loses its ability to filter blood. It is unable to eliminate toxins from the body. This indirectly causes patients to have low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and eventually a lapse into a coma. The patient’s blood sugar may get so low that they become unconscious. This is a serious symptom of Reye’s syndrome and patients should be treated immediately. The prognosis for patients with Reye’s syndrome who lose consciousness is not good. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, can occur with extremely low blood sugar and loss of consciousness. If hypoxia occurs, permanent brain damage can be the result, particularly in children.
4. Vomiting
For older children and teenagers, one of the first signs of Reye’s syndrome is persistent and continuous vomiting. This can quickly dehydrate a child and they make become groggy and lethargic. Excessive vomiting following the onset of a viral illness like chicken pox is a cause for alarm and medical treatment should be sought. Vomiting is an early sign of Reye’s syndrome and patients should be monitored closely especially if they have recently recovered from a virus. As with many signs and symptoms, vomiting is not unique to any one disease or illness. If you or a loved one is experiencing a bout of violent vomiting make sure you consult a health care professional.
5. Diarrhea
Reye’s syndrome disrupts the digestive system, causing diarrhea. When it becomes severe enough dehydration is inevitable. In children, it can cause life-threatening dehydration and needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Diarrhea is one of the first signs of Reye’s syndrome in children younger than two years old. Along with vomiting, diarrhea that is exhibited three to five days after the onset of a viral illness is a warning sign of Reye’s syndrome and medical treatment should be consulted.
6. Delirium
Reye’s syndrome causes the brain to swell or encephalopathy. This swelling can cause irrational behavior and delirium. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Patients may experience hallucinations and become combative. An extreme change in behavior or attitude of a usually easy going child is a red flag that something serious is happening. Treatment for delirium should begin immediately especially if it occurs following a viral illness. The swelling in the brain will eventually cause patients to lapse into unconsciousness.
7. Sleepiness
Sleepiness is a common sign of Reye’s Syndrome. Children may be unwilling to get out of bed and prefer to sleep all day. They will appear groggy and lethargic with no interest in activities including eating. This may not seem like a warning sign, but if the patient has recently had a viral illness and becomes sleepy three to five days after the onset of that illness it can be cause for alarm. Since Reye’s syndrome can progress quickly, this symptom should be taken seriously and brought to the attention of a physician. Excessive sleepiness is a serious sign that something is wrong.
8. Coma
Due to swelling in the brain, patients can lose consciousness and lapse into a coma. The patient will be unrousable and may not respond to stimuli around them. This is an ominous symptom of Reye’s syndrome and most patients have been hospitalized at this point. Patients with Reye’s syndrome have a twenty percent mortality rate if they slip into a coma. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain, can occur when patients are comatose. A tube will be inserted in the patient’s throat if respiratory problems are suspected. This will allow oxygen to get to the brain and hopefully prevent permanent brain damage. This is very serious and intensive treatment will be necessary in order to recover.
9. Decreased Level of Consciousness
The swelling in the brain that accompanies Reye’s syndrome can cause patients to swim in and out of consciousness before lapsing into a coma. Prior to becoming completely unconscious, patients may exhibit excessive tiredness and delirium. All of these are signs that swelling may be occurring in the brain. The prognosis for patients who experience a rapid loss of consciousness is not good and the result may be death. This is why it is important to take note of early symptoms of Reye’s syndrome particularly in cases where the patient just had a viral infection.
10. Headache
A headache occurs with Reye’s syndrome due to the pressure inside the skull cavity from swelling of the brain. The headache usually becomes more persistent and accompanies other symptoms of delirium, lethargy, and excessive sleepiness. A severe headache in patients who are just getting over the flu or chickenpox should be noted and brought to the attention of a doctor. In order to relieve pressure, medications may be administered to try and stop the swelling.
