Which condition is caused by aspirin given to children with flu or chickenpox?

Reye Syndrome is a serious condition that can develop in children and teenagers who are given aspirin during viral illnesses such as the flu or chickenpox. The syndrome is characterized by a rapid onset of liver failure and encephalopathy. The specific mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought that aspirin may trigger an abnormal response to viral infections, leading to the accumulation of fatty acids in the liver and swelling in the brain.

The risk associated with aspirin in these situations is significant enough that health authorities recommend avoiding the use of aspirin in children and adolescents for viral illnesses. This awareness has helped reduce the incidence of Reye Syndrome since its association with aspirin became known.

While hyperbilirubinemia, galactosemia, and adrenoleukodystrophy are important medical conditions, they are not connected to the use of aspirin in children during viral infections. Hyperbilirubinemia typically relates to liver function issues or hemolysis, galactosemia is a genetic disorder affecting carbohydrate metabolism, and adrenoleukodystrophy is a genetic condition that affects fatty acid metabolism and is not triggered by medication. Therefore, understanding the implications of aspirin use in children with certain viral infections is crucial for preventing Reye Syndrome.