Live Life Team
A condition related to serious damages in brain and liver is known as Reyes-syndrome. The alarming fact is that it would lead to death, if not treated immediately. As per the statistics, the condition is attached with children in most of the cases. The reasons have still not been identified for this condition, but aspirin and any viral infections could be among the reasons attributed for this condition. The condition was a huge alarm across the country and with the efforts of government the cases have been brought down to an average of 17 in the 90s than what were 52 cases in the 80s. The condition has also been labelled as an emergency state and the patient would need to be immediately admitted to an ICU.
<h2>Symptoms</h2>
Continuous vomiting, loss of energy and drowsiness are some of the symptoms of this condition. Syndrome starts around seven days after a kid develops a viral infection. As the syndrome progresses the symptoms may gets severe. Patient may even land up in coma as well. In case the patient is suffering from continuous vomiting, then seeking medical assistance immediately should be the right thing to do.
<h2>Causes</h2>
The actual causes are still unknown but this syndrome is caused by viral infection and during childhood, usage of aspirin also adds as one of the symptoms to Reye’s syndrome. Genetic disorder can also be one of the causes of Reye’s syndrome. As per the doctor, it is better that children less than 16 years should avoid taking aspirin as it contains salicylate which could cause a massive malfunction in the immune system. This malfunction is so severe that it will attack the healthy liver cells. Syndrome mainly affects the liver leading to produce symptoms as vomiting, tiredness and lack of energy. The loss in the functioning of liver will cause brain to swell, leading to the changes in mental state.
<h2>Diagnosis</h2>
The exact cause of syndrome is still unknown. The diagnosis though can lead to ruling out other conditions like blood poisoning, infection of the brain which could also cause similar symptoms. In the initial stages, some tests may be conducted to check the working condition of liver and to confirm the presence of toxins or bacteria in the blood. A CT scan is sometimes done for the same purpose too. Liver biopsy is also done at the extreme stages after taking a small sample of the liver for further study under a microscope.
<h2>Treatment</h2>
Based on the patient’s condition, doctors may be able to prescribe treatment to the patient. The main aim is to minimize the symptoms as well as support child’s vital function like proper blood circulation. In the extreme case, patient may also be needed to be admitted in the intensive care unit at the earliest. Glucose or insulin also may be injected into the child’s body to increase the level of sugar. There could be certain fluids also given to the patient to supply nutrients. If the symptoms get severe, doctors may have to put the child on ventilator which may then take a week’s time to t recover completely.
<h2>Complications</h2>
In extreme cases the child can get affected with the brain damage, poor memory, loss of vision and loss of hearing capabilities.
<h2>Prevention</h2>
As per the doctors, children under age of 16 should not be given any dose of aspirin. In case your child shows Reye’s syndrome symptoms, it is advisable to check with doctor immediately.
