What serious condition can arise from administering aspirin to a child?

The administration of aspirin to children is linked to the development of Reye's syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Reye's syndrome primarily affects the brain and liver, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. It typically occurs following a viral infection, especially influenza or chickenpox, when aspirin is taken as a treatment.

The precise mechanism behind Reye's syndrome is still not fully understood, but it is believed that aspirin may cause a toxic reaction in the liver, which in turn affects other organs. Because of this danger, medical guidelines generally recommend avoiding the use of aspirin in children and instead suggest alternative medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever management in pediatric patients.