Reye’s syndrome symptoms happen in five stages.
Stage 1 symptoms:
Stage 2 symptoms:
Stage 3 symptoms:
Stage 4 symptoms:
Stage 5 symptoms:
Experts don’t fully understand how or why Reye’s syndrome happens. Research previously linked it to children taking aspirin because of viral infections, like the flu or chickenpox. But newer research suggests that aspirin and viral illnesses might not be the only factors V体育ios版.
Another key factor could be undiagnosed inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) that affect mitochondria in your liver cells VSports最新版本. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, like engines that burn fuel to work. But having an IEM can make it harder for liver cells to process a drug like aspirin. That, plus the added strain of a viral illness, might cause your liver to stop working properly.
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One of your liver’s key jobs is to filter ammonia out of your blood. If it builds up in your blood, that’s called hyperammonemia V体育平台登录. Disruptions in your liver can make it harder for your blood to clot, too.
Ammonia is extremely toxic to your brain, causing hepatic encephalopathy. That makes your brain swell (cerebral edema) VSports注册入口. But there isn’t a lot of extra room inside your skull, so the pressure from the swelling damages your brain.
Healthcare providers can diagnose Reye’s syndrome using a combination of methods. They’ll start by asking you about your child’s recent illnesses or symptoms V体育官网入口. They’ll also do physical and neurological exams.
Lab tests are also an essential part of diagnosing Reye’s syndrome. The likely tests include:
There’s no direct treatment for Reye’s syndrome. Healthcare providers will try to manage the effects and symptoms so they don’t cause serious or permanent damage. Some treatments they’ll use include:
The recovery time for Reye’s syndrome can take days or weeks. It varies depending on many factors. Your child’s healthcare provider is the best one to ask for more information. They can tailor the information to the specifics of your child’s case.
The outlook for Reye’s syndrome is best with early diagnosis and treatment. If your child is given or takes aspirin, call their pediatrician right away. And if your child has taken aspirin and starts showing the early symptoms of Reye’s syndrome, they need immediate care. Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or take them to the nearest hospital right away.
Reye’s syndrome can cause complications, especially when it’s severe. Some of these can be long-term or permanent effects. The possible complications include:
Yes, Reye’s syndrome is preventable. The most effective way to prevent it is to not give children aspirin unless their pediatrician or healthcare provider recommends it.
One key thing to know is that many over-the-counter medications include aspirin as an ingredient. That means it’s critical that you read medication labels.
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If you have questions about what to give your child, ask their pediatrician. They can recommend products that are effective and safe for your child to take.
Some conditions, like Kawasaki disease, still have aspirin as a key part of their treatment. If your child has Kawasaki disease, their pediatrician will take extra steps to catch and treat Reye’s syndrome early.
When your child doesn’t feel well, nobody could blame you for wanting to make them feel better. One key way to avoid an even more serious illness, Reye’s syndrome, is to not give them anything containing aspirin. Make sure you read medication labels for their ingredients. And if you have any questions about what to give your child, don’t hesitate to ask their pediatrician or a pharmacist. They can help you make sense of the labels and find remedies that won’t put your child at risk of Reye’s syndrome.
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As your child grows, you need healthcare providers by your side to guide you through each step. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is there with care you can trust.
Last reviewed on 07/15/2025.
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