RS | Reye's Syndrome

This is a deadly disease that you really need to know about, in order to protect your children

I am reproducing the webpage article on RS virtually without change, and with permission from The NRSF

I have also obtained a few snippets of additional information which I will include at the end of the article.

This is a very serious disease that you should know about.

Some people develop the disease as they are getting over a viral illness, such as the flu or chicken pox. It usually affects people from infancy through young adulthood; however, no age group is immune.

Although the disease generally occurs when someone is recovering from any viral illness, it can develop 3 to 5 days after the onset of the illness. Its main targets are the liver and brain, it is non-contagious, and too often is misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, poisoning, drug overdose, or sudden infant death.

Early diagnosis is crucial. An individual should be watched during the next 2 to 3 weeks following a viral illness for these symptoms, usually occurring in this order:

*Relentless or continuous vomiting

*Listlessness (loss of pep and energy with little interest in their environment)

*Drowsiness (excessive sleepiness)

*Personality change (such as irritability, slurred speech, sensitivity to touch)

*Disorientation or confusion (unable to identify whereabouts, family members or answer questions)

*Combativeness (striking out at those trying to help them)*Delirium, convulsions or loss of consciousness

This disease should be suspected in anyone who vomits repeatedly. Phone your doctor immediately if these symptoms develop. Voice your concern about this disease.

If your physician is unavailable, take the person to an Emergency Room promptly. Two liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT) can be done to determine the possibility of the disease. There is a 90% chance of recovery when the disease is treated in its earliest stages by physicians and nurses experienced in the appropriate treatment.

Studies have shown that using aspirin-containing medications to treat the symptoms of viral illnesses increases the chance of developing the disease. If you or a member of your family has a viral illness, do not use any such medications.

In fact, you should consult your physician before you take any drugs, particularly aspirin or anti-nausea medicines, to treat flu, chicken pox or any viral illness. Anti nausea medicines may mask the symptoms of the disease.

The National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, the U.S. Surgeon General, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that aspirin and combination products containing aspirin not be taken by anyone under 19 years of age during fever-causing illnesses.

Aspirin is part of the salicylate family of medicines. Another name for aspirin is acetylsalicylate; some drug labels may use the words acetylsalicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, salicylate, etc.

Currently, there is no conclusive data as to whether other forms of salicylates are associated with the development of this disease. Until further research has answered this question, the National Reyes Syndrome Foundation recommends that products containing any of these substances not be taken during episodes of viral infections.

The NRSF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with affiliates located in 45 states. It has pioneered the movement to disseminate knowledge about the disease in an effort to aid in early diagnosis and also provides funds for research into the cause, cure, care, treatment and prevention of Reye's Syndrome.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please remember, that there are other diseases and illnesses that also have similar symptoms.

If your child has recently had, or is currently recovering from a viral illness, and has also taken medication that contains one of the many forms of aspirin, it is imperative that you monitor him or her closely for possible signs of Reyes Syndrome.

Once it starts the disease can develop very quickly

Whilst vomiting is usually the first sign, other signs may mimic sugar diabetes, because the body’s blood sugar level drops.

Whilst most harmful to the brain and liver, the disease affects all of the body organs.

Tests will probably include a blood test (to rule out the possibility of another problem), a liver biopsy, a lumbar puncture, and a CT scan.

Although it is on the wane, and the chance of recovery is high if diagnosed early, brain damage and death can and will result if not recognized timeously.

WARNING

DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO ANY PERSON UNDER 19 YEARS OF AGE: Aspirin has been associated with Reye's Syndrome, a life threatening disease.

For further information on Family Health diseases and illnesses please read the following pages

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