Reye’s Syndrome

Reye’s syndrome is a disease of the liver which causes increased  levels of ammonia in the blood leading to confusion and possibly coma  and death. No one knows why children who take aspirin while having  certain infections such as chicken pox and the flu are more likely to  get Reye’s syndrome. Because of the seriousness of Reye’s Syndrome and  its association with certain infections, it is recommended that all  children avoid aspirin except under very specific circumstances under  the supervision of a physician.