Definition:
Aspirin is a staple in many medicine cabinets. But if you have children, this common medication is a potentially dangerous drug. Aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection.
Reye's syndrome is characterized by swelling in the liver and the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment of Reye's syndrome can save a child's life.
Cases of Reye's syndrome peaked in the 1970s and early 1980s. Today, most children and teenagers who are evaluated for Reye's syndrome don't have the disease. Still, prevention remains important. The basic rule: Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger, unless specifically recommended by the child's doctor.
