A doctor has issued an urgent warning over a popular painkiller as it could be dangerous to certain people. The expert advised that not everyone should have aspirin.
More specifically he revealed that generally aspirin is not suitable for children under the age of 16. This is due to a risk of a condition called Reye’s syndrome that causes brain and liver swelling.
If not treated quickly, this can lead to long-term damage. In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia explained more.
Dr Kukadia, who is better known as Dr Sooj, said: “Did you know that you shouldn’t give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 because of an association with something called Reye’s syndrome? Reye’s syndrome is a really rare disorder that can cause serious liver and brain damage.
“Please only give aspirin to someone under the age of 16 if it’s been specifically advised by a doctor for something like Kawasaki disease.” His advice is backed by the NHS website.
The health body stated that even low-dose aspirin is not suitable for children. “It’s sometimes called “baby aspirin” because of the small dose, but it’s not safe for children,” the NHS said.
“However, sometimes children may be prescribed low-dose aspirin after heart surgery or for a rare condition called Kawasaki disease.” The NHS explained: “There’s 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.” Therefore, it said you must “never” give aspirin to children under 16, “unless their doctor prescribes it”.
To make sure aspirin as a painkiller (including mouth gel) is safe for you, the NHS says you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have ever had an allergy to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
- Have ever had a stomach ulcer
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have indigestion
- Have heavy periods – they can get heavier if you take aspirin daily
- Recently had a stroke (low-dose aspirin is not suitable after some types of stroke)
- Have asthma or lung disease
- Have ever had a blood clotting problem
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have gout – it can get worse for some people who take aspirin
Reye’s syndrome
Reye’s syndrome is a very rare condition that can affect children or young adults after they’ve had an illness like flu or chickenpox. “It can cause serious brain problems if it’s not treated quickly,” the NHS said.
Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome can include:
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Being drowsy and lack energy
- Feeling confused
- Having changes in behaviour, such as being irritable or aggressive
- Breathing quickly and having a fast heart rate
- Having fits (seizures)
- Losing consciousness
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child keeps being sick (vomiting), is drowsy or lacks energy, or if they are not their normal self – for example, they’re irritable or aggressive.
Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:
- Has a fit or seizure
- Is finding it difficult to breathe
- Is confused
- Is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
- Loses consciousness
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
