Health A-Z

Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children under the age of 5. It causes inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Here's an overview of the symptoms, treatment plan, and diagnostic testing for Kawasaki disease.

1. High Fever: Persistent fever, often lasting for five days or more, is one of the hallmark symptoms of Kawasaki disease.
2. Rash: A rash may appear, typically on the trunk of the body, resembling a sunburn and sometimes spreading to the extremities.
3. Conjunctivitis: Redness of the eyes, without discharge, is common in Kawasaki disease.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck area, are another characteristic feature.
5. Changes in the Mouth and Lips: The lips may become red and cracked, and the tongue may develop a strawberry-like appearance with redness and swelling.
6. Swollen Hands and Feet: Swelling and redness of the hands and feet, often with peeling of the skin, may occur.
7. Irritability: Children with Kawasaki disease may appear irritable or fussy due to the discomfort caused by the illness.

1. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): This is the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease. IVIG is a solution containing antibodies that help reduce inflammation and prevent complications. It's typically administered over several hours in a hospital setting.
2. Aspirin Therapy: High-dose aspirin may be prescribed to reduce fever and inflammation. Once the fever subsides, the aspirin dosage is often decreased to prevent the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition associated with aspirin use in children.
3. Monitoring and Follow-Up: After initial treatment, close monitoring of the child's condition is essential to watch for any signs of coronary artery complications. Follow-up appointments with a pediatric cardiologist are typically recommended to assess cardiac health.
4. Additional Treatments: In some cases, additional treatments such as corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be considered if the initial treatment with IVIG is not fully effective.

1. Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider is crucial for identifying the characteristic symptoms of Kawasaki disease, including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and changes in the mouth and extremities.
2. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be performed to assess inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as well as to evaluate for evidence of coronary artery involvement.
3. Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that allows healthcare providers to assess the structure and function of the heart, including the coronary arteries. It is used to monitor for any signs of coronary artery abnormalities, which are a potential complication of Kawasaki disease.