Kawasaki Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
As a rare condition, Kawasaki disease mostly affects children under the age of five. It causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, leading to serious heart complications. Throughout this blog post, we will explain what causes Kawasaki disease, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
What causes Kawasaki disease?
Scientists believe that Kawasaki disease is caused by an infection or an environmental factor, such as a virus, bacteria, or chemical. Kawasaki disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Some factors that may increase the risk of developing Kawasaki disease include:
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Age: Children under five years old are most likely to get Kawasaki disease, especially those between one and two years old.
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Gender: Boys are more likely to get Kawasaki disease than girls.
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Ethnicity: Children of Asian descent, especially Japanese and Korean, are more likely to get Kawasaki disease than children of other ethnicities.
What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease?
In most cases, Kawasaki disease manifests in phases. A high fever (over 102.2 F or 39 C) that persists for at least five days and does not respond to common medications characterizes the first phase of the illness, which lasts for one to two weeks. In addition, the following symptoms may occur during the first phase:
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A rash on the chest, abdomen, or genitals
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Red eyes without any discharge
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Red, cracked lips and a swollen, red tongue (also known as strawberry tongue)
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Swollen hands and feet with peeling skin
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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
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Irritability and fussiness
Second phase symptoms include peeling of the skin on the fingers and toes, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and temporary hearing loss.
The third phase lasts for about six to eight weeks and is characterized by a gradual recovery and improvement of symptoms.
How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?
Diagnostic tests for Kawasaki disease are based on clinical signs and symptoms, as well as rule out other possible conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Some tests to help make the diagnosis include:
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Blood tests: To check for signs of inflammation, infection, anemia, or liver function.
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Urine tests: To check for signs of infection or kidney problems.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To measure the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormalities or damage.
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Echocardiogram: To use sound waves to create images of the heart and check for any problems with the heart valves or blood vessels.
How is Kawasaki disease treated?
The treatment of Kawasaki disease aims to reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and relieve symptoms. The treatment usually consists of:
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Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): A solution of antibodies that helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. It is given through a vein over several hours for one or two days.
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Aspirin: A medication that helps reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. It is given in high doses during the acute phase of the disease and in low doses during the recovery phase to prevent blood clots. However, aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old without medical supervision due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the brain and liver.
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Other medications: Depending on the symptoms and complications, other medications may be given to treat nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, or heart problems.
How can Kawasaki disease be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent Kawasaki disease. However, some general measures that may help reduce the risk of infections and complications include:
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Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
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Avoiding contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of infection
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Keeping up to date with vaccinations
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Seeking medical attention promptly if your child has a fever that lasts more than three days or shows any signs of Kawasaki disease
Children can be affected by Kawasaki disease, which is a rare but serious condition. You can help your child avoid long-term complications by knowing its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods. You should contact your doctor or pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns regarding Kawasaki disease or your child's health.
