Kawasaki disease is considered as an uncommon condition that typically affects children aged 5 years and below, usually aged 18-24 months. The condition can trigger a variety of symptoms all over the body.
What are the indications?
In most cases, the characteristic symptom of Kawasaki disease is fever that lasts more than 5 days. Additionally, at least 4 of the following are likely to develop:
- Eye redness
Blotchy red rash that eventually settles in a week. - Changes in the feet or hands such as redness or minor swelling. The skin might peel off on some parts of the toes or fingers after 2-3 weeks.
- Blotchy red rash that eventually settles in a week.
- One or several swollen lymph glands in the neck
In some cases, a child can become irritable. The doctor will diagnose Kawasaki disease based on these symptoms. Remember that there are no tests available to confirm the condition. The tests that are done aims on ruling out other diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Other less common symptoms that might develop include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain and swelling
- Appetite loss
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowish skin)
Possible causes
The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. The symptoms appear strikingly the same with other common forms of infection. Nevertheless, it is not contagious, thus the cause is not likely an infection with a virus or bacterium.
There is a possible genetic tendency that increases the risk. Parents of children who have Kawasaki disease might have the condition during childhood. In addition, siblings of children with the disease are at higher risk as well.
Management
- Aspirin – this is one of the instances in which aspirin is given to children. This medication works by reducing the inflammation in the coronary arteries as well as help prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Immunoglobulin – this is a mixture of antibodies acquired from the blood. It is administered as a slow infusion over a few hours into the bloodstream. It is believed to alter the reaction of the immune system in some manner to stop the inflammation in the arteries.
The treatment using immunoglobulin is given in a span of 10 days of the start of Kawasaki disease to reduce the possibility of heart complications. If not treated, some children develop aneurysm.
Other treatment options are aimed on keeping the child comfortable such as increasing the intake of fluids and proper nursing during the feverish phase of the illness.