Conditions and symptoms
What Is Reye's Syndrome? Why Aspirin Labels Warn About It
Reye's Syndrome · say it: RYZ SIN-drohmAlso written: Reye syndrome, Reye's
Short answer
Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious illness causing swelling of the brain and liver, mostly in children; it needs urgent medical help.
What it means
Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the brain and damage to the liver. It mostly affects children and teenagers, usually while they are recovering from a viral infection such as flu or chickenpox. Signs include repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, personality change or seizures. It needs urgent medical help.
Labels for aspirin and some other salicylate-containing products carry a Reye's syndrome warning because taking aspirin during a viral illness has been linked to it in children and teenagers. This is why aspirin is generally not given to children and teenagers unless a doctor specifically advises it, and why parents are asked to check labels of combination products for hidden aspirin or salicylates.
Reye's syndrome is different from the usual tiredness and vomiting of a viral illness, but because early signs can overlap, any child who becomes unusually drowsy or confused should be seen urgently.
Where you may see it
- Aspirin and salicylate product labels under 'Reye's syndrome' warning
- Children's medicine leaflets
- Some combination cold, stomach and pain remedies
📄 How it looks on a report
Reye's syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.
🙅 What it does not mean
- The warning does not mean Reye's syndrome is common; it is rare.
- It does not apply only to tablets labelled 'aspirin'; some other products contain salicylates.
- It does not mean every fever medicine is unsafe for children; other options exist.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Reye's Syndrome”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Reye's Syndrome”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Aspirin
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a platelet aggregation inhibitor
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Reye's Syndrome” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “reye syndrome”
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