Kawasaki Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Kawasaki disease is a condition that commonly affects children under the age of five. If left untreated, it may become a serious illness. It is one of the leading causes of heart disease in young children. If detected early, however, doctors are often able to treat the condition without complications.
Risk Factors for Kawasaki Disease
Like many illnesses, there are a few risk factors that may indicate whether your child may contract Kawasaki disease. These factors include the following:
- Gender: Boys are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than girls.
- Age: Children under the age of five are more likely than others to develop the illness.
- Ethnicity: Children of Pacific Island or Asian descent have a higher likelihood of developing the illness.
Causes of Kawasaki Disease
While the exact cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, many doctors believe it’s linked to a combination of environmental factors, genetics, and exposure to certain bacteria and viruses. While not contagious, the illness may occur in clusters throughout a community.
Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease
If your child has Kawasaki disease, he or she may develop any of the following symptoms:
- High Fever
- Peeling Skin
- Rash
- Redness or Swelling in the Hands or Feet
- Eye Redness
- Swollen Glands
- Irritation in the Throat or Mouth
- Swollen Tongue
- Joint Pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease
If you think your child may have Kawasaki disease, schedule a visit with their pediatrician. During your visit, your child’s doctor will check for any symptoms and rule out conditions that may cause symptoms like Kawasaki disease. He or she will also perform a physical exam and a variety of tests, including the following:
- Urine Tests
- Blood Tests
- BNP Tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
Treatment of Kawasaki Disease
If the doctor diagnoses your child with Kawasaki Disease, he or she will recommend timely treatment options to decrease complications. Some common treatment options may include the following:
- Over-The-Counter Medications: These help lower fevers and help alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
- Gamma Globulin: This helps lower the chance of your child experiencing coronary artery problems.
Prognosis of Kawasaki Disease
Fortunately, if your child receives prompt treatment, they’re likely to make a full recovery. Only in rare cases may your child suffer lasting effects of the disease, such as heart issues and persistent arthritis.
Complications of Kawasaki Disease
In rare cases, Kawasaki may result in lasting heart complications, including the following:
Any of the above-mentioned complications may damage your child’s heart and result in life-threatening heart attacks or internal bleeding. For example, when your child’s coronary arteries become blocked or inflamed, their artery walls may weaken or bulge, increasing their risk of suffering an aneurysm.
Aneurysms up the chances of blood clots forming in your child’s artery. Too many clots or blockages is what triggers internal bleeding and heart attacks. In rare, more severe cases, complications associated with Kawasaki disease may prove fatal, even with prompt treatment. So, it’s always important to reach out to your child’s doctor if you think he or she may have symptoms of the disease.
