Kawasaki Disease: Rising Concern for Children's Health
Kawasaki disease, often referred to as "Japanese measles in children," is an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, predominantly in children under five. Initial symptoms mimic the flu, including a persistent high fever exceeding five days. As the disease progresses, it causes vasculitis, which can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and sudden death. The cause remains unknown, and no vaccine is available. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with aspirin and intravenous gamma globulin, with follow-up echocardiograms to monitor heart health. Early diagnosis and treatment within ten days are crucial to mitigate serious complications.
Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition of blood vessels, primarily affecting children under 5 years old. Symptoms include a fever lasting more than five days, skin rash, red swollen eyes, red dry cracked lips, swollen hands and feet, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. No single test can diagnose Kawasaki disease; doctors use a combination of symptom evaluation, blood tests, ECG, and echocardiogram to rule out similar conditions such as scarlet fever, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, toxic shock syndrome, and measles.
Treatment involves administering intravenous gamma globulin and aspirin to reduce inflammation and fever, followed by low-dose aspirin for several weeks to prevent blood clots. Most children recover quickly, but monitoring for heart problems is essential. Questions to ask your doctor include the likely cause of symptoms, necessary tests, recommended treatments, duration of symptoms, and how to make your child more comfortable.
Kawasaki disease causes swelling and inflammation of blood vessel walls, mainly affecting arteries to the heart in children. It can also cause swelling in lymph nodes and mucous membranes. Symptoms include a fever over 102.2°F (39°C) for more than five days, body or genital rash, swollen neck lymph node, very red eyes without discharge, red dry cracked lips, swollen tongue, swollen red palms and soles with peeling skin, belly pain, diarrhea, fussiness, joint pain, and vomiting.
Contact a doctor if a fever lasts more than three days. Early treatment within ten days reduces the risk of heart artery damage. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, and it is not contagious. Risk factors include being under five years old, male, and of Asian or Pacific Islander descent. Complications can include swelling of heart-supplying blood vessels, heart muscle swelling, and heart valve problems. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory and fever medications, as well as aspirin for blood clots. Most children recover well with early treatment, although some may need ongoing heart monitoring and treatment.
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