Aspirin is a common painkiller that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. However, the NHS has issued a warning about the drug for children with a rare condition
Aspirin is a common painkiller found in chemists and supermarkets across the UK, often used to treat pain and recommended for those at high risk of heart attack or who have previously suffered one. However, while generally safe, NHS guidance warns of significant risks associated with aspirin, advising some people to avoid it entirely.
The NHS advises that aspirin should never be given to children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor due to the risk of interaction with Reye’s syndrome. This extremely rare condition typically affects children or young adults following a flu or chickenpox infection, with symptoms appearing one to three weeks after recovery from the virus.
Reye’s syndrome usually impacts children between five and 14 years old, but can also affect younger and older children.
Reye’s Syndrome symptoms
Symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome can include:
- Breathing quickly and having a fast heart rate
- Feeling confused
- Vomiting
- Experience changes in behaviour, such as being irritable or aggressive
- Drowsiness and lack energy
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If it’s suspected your child has Reye’s syndrome, they may undergo a series of tests to help with a diagnosis. Following this, they’ll likely need to go to hospital to receive urgent treatment.
Treatment for Reye’s Syndrome can include using an oxygen machine to help the child breathe, IV drips, and a variety of medicines.
Aspirin and Reye’s Syndrome
Whilst the exact cause of Reye’s Syndrome is not known, there have been links between the condition and salicylates, which include aspirin. Despite this, one study which reviewed evidence linking aspirin with Reye’s syndrome highlighted that more research still needs to be done to make a solid connection.
Researchers highlighted that a “defined cause-effect relationship between aspirin intake and Reye Syndrome in children is not supported by sufficient facts” and noted that the condition could also be linked to ‘inherited disorder of metabolism’ as well as ‘misdiagnosis’. Despite this, the NHS still advises parents not to give any child under 16 aspirin in most circumstances.
The guidance states: “There is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare condition that can cause serious liver and brain damage.”
The NHS also advises people to speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they’re taking aspirin and experience any of the following symptoms:
- Have gout which can be worsened for some people who take aspirin
- Have heavy periods as they can get heavier with aspirin use
- Have recently had a stroke unless you were recommended a small dose of aspirin in relation to this
- Suffer from indigestion
- Experience any liver or kidney problems
- Suffer from asthma or lung disease
- Have ever experienced a stomach ulcer
- Have ever experienced a blood clotting problem
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Suffer from high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension
- Have ever experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
Further details on aspirin can be found on the NHS website here.
