Help Prevent Reye's Syndrome

Reye's Syndrome is a potentially fatal interaction of a virus and salicylate containing medicine (such as asprin). Reye's affects primarily children and teens, but no one is immune to it. This syndrome usually occurs following a viral infection, such as the flu, ear infections, and chickenpox. If symptoms of Reye's develop after the person appears to be recovering from the infection, emergency medical attention is vital for recovery. Reye's usually occurs if asprin or another salicylate is taken during the infection.
Reye's is not contagious, but is more likely to occur in a person if a sibling had also contracted it before. Reye's is more prevalent during the flu season, and symptoms usually begin as the person looks like they are recovering from the infection.
Reye's affects mainly the brain, liver, and sometimes blood sugar levels, but it may also affect the heart, kidneys, pancreas and muscles.
Symptoms may last for days, but the syndrome progresses very quickly, and if not detected can lead to death.



Early diagnosis is vital to recovery. If treated correctly and quickly there is a 90% survival rate. If Reye's is left untreated or undetected it can lead to the malfunction of organs, low blood sugar, dangerously high intercranial (brain) pressure, brain damage, coma, and death.



Up to half of ALL cases of those who develop Reye's die within hours or days. Those who enter a deep comatose state usually emerge with some form of brain damage, including mental retardation, voice and speech disorders.



Below are the symptoms of Reye's. If you or someone you know has taken a salicylate medication during or after a recent viral infection (flu, chicken pox, ear infections, etc.) seek [b][i]IMMEDIATE[/i][/b] medical attention.



Symptom include:

persistant nausea and/or vomitting
drowsiness
confusion
aggitation, irritability and agressiveness (especially as intercranial pressure rises)
hallucinations
dialated pupils
rapid or labored breathing
lethargy
stupor
loss of consciousness/coma
delirium
seizures or convulsions
slurred speech



If you or anyone you know experiences these symptoms please get emergency medical attention immediately. Don't allow someone else to go through the pain of an unexpected death from this syndrome.



Back to Home

Go to Angel Links for Web Sites About A Victim of Reye's