Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is an acute febrile illness of unknown etiology that primarily affects children younger than 5 years of age. Kawasaki disease causes swelling (inflammation) in children in the walls of small to medium-sized blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body. Kawasaki disease commonly leads to inflammation of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. However, with treatment, few children have lasting damage.

Treating Kawasaki disease within 10 days of when it began may greatly reduce the chances of lasting damage to the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle.
  • Symptoms
  • Fever

    • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100. 4°F)

    • Lasting at least for 5 days

    common

    Red eye

    • Both eyes

    common

    Reddish tongue

    common

    Skin rash and redness

    common

    Diarrhea

    or Throwing up

    or Abdominal pain

    common

    Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes

    or Mass or swelling at the neck

    common

    Annoyed easily

    or Child is constantly crying

    common

    Cough with mucus or without mucus

    or Runny nose

    common

    Poor appetite

    common

    Joint pain

  • Risk factors
  • Treatment
  • Kawasaki disease is treated in hospital as it can cause serious complications. Treatment should begin as soon as possible. It may take longer for your child to recover if Kawasaki disease isn't treated promptly. Their risk of developing complications will also be increased. The 2 main treatments for Kawasaki disease are: 1- Aspirin 2- Intravenous immunoglobulin
  • Recommended specialist
  • If you have Kawasaki Disease, then a visit to a rheumatologist is recommended.

    Contact a

    Rheumatologist

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