Public awareness of the need to eliminate aspirin use in children has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the incidence of this disease in the last 10 years. Reye's affects the brain, blood and liver. Characteristics include fatty deposits and swelling of the liver, which causes the liver to function abnormally. This liver dysfunction affects its ability to excrete ammonia from the body in the usual way, causing high levels of ammonia in the blood. Reye's also causes a swelling in the brain, which produces the identifying physical symptoms.
Symptoms typically start within one week after a viral infection that had appeared to be resolving.
At first there is a persistent nausea and vomiting for one to three days. This is followed by the child becoming increasingly drowsy and lethargic. This will quickly progress to a change in mental status, which is indicated by the child becoming confused, disorientated, agitated, and then proceeds to deepening stages of coma. Immediate medical attention is required if Reye's is suspected. The severity of the symptoms can vary greatly, but Reye's is considered to be an acute, life-threatening disorder.