Reye's Syndrome

🌿 Overview

Reye's Syndrome primarily strikes children ages 4–15, most often in the fall or winter months. It occurs after a viral infection — most commonly flu or chicken pox. Giving aspirin to a child with a fever dramatically increases the risk of developing Reye's, which was confirmed in the early 1980s. Children's aspirin is banned in Britain because of this risk. Deaths have dropped from 42–80% to below 10% with prompt hospital treatment.

Common signs

• Sudden fever and vomiting immediately after a viral illness
• Rapid change in mental status: deep depression, nausea, amnesia
• Agitation, disorientation, and delirium
• Fatigue, lethargy, and memory lapses
• Prolonged heavy vomiting followed by drowsiness
• Pneumonia, coma, convulsions, fixed and dilated pupils
• Hearing loss, double vision, speech impairment, weakness or paralysis in the limbs

🔎 Why it happens

Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.

• Viral infection (flu, chicken pox, Influenza B, Epstein-Barr, or enteroviruses) PLUS aspirin
• CDC study: 96% of children who developed Reye's had been given aspirin during a viral infection
• Direct correlation between the amount of aspirin given and severity of illness
• Possible connection to aflatoxin (grain mold toxin) consumption
• Tigan suppository (anti-nausea drug) has also been implicated

✅ What to do

Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.

1. CALL 911 and RUSH THE CHILD TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY if these symptoms appear after a viral illness
2. Intravenous vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → C (5–10 gm per day) if available
3. Intramuscular B complex, vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → B12 (1,000 mcg), and selenium (250–500 mcg per day)
4. IV glucose and electrolytes within 12–24 hours after heavy vomiting dramatically improve outcomes
5. After the acute phase: peppermint and ginger to relieve nausea
6. Liver rebuilding herbs: hawthorn berry, wild yam, milk thistle, pau d'arco

⭐ Community-ranked natural supports

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🍽️ Eating to help

Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.

Favor these

• IV glucose and electrolytes during crisis (hospital)
• Peppermint and ginger tea for nausea recovery
• Liver-rebuilding foods: beet juice, carrot juice
• Milk thistle (standardized extract) during recovery

Go easy on

• NEVER give aspirin or aspirin-containing products to children during any illness

PREVENTION: Never give aspirin to a child or teenager with any fever or viral illness. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if a fever reducer is truly needed.

💬 Ask Remy about Reye's Syndrome