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Reye's Syndrome
The National Reye's Syndrome Foundation provides a wealth of current information about Reye's Syndrome. This disease is very serious and generally occurs when someone is recovering from any viral illness, although it can develop 3 to 5 days after the onset of the illness. Early diagnosis is crucial. An individual should be watched during the next 2 to 3 weeks following a viral illness for these symptoms, usually occuring in this order:
- Relentless or continuous vomiting
- Listlessness
- Drowsiness
- Personality change
- Disorientation or confusion
- Combativeness
- Delirium, convulsions, or loss of consciousness
Studies have shown that using aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to treat the symptoms of viral illnesses increases the chance of developing Reye's Syndrome. If you or a member of your family have a viral illness, do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing medications. Read on...
Information courtesy of the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, Inc., 2001
