Kawasaki disease is an ailment that triggers inflammation in the veins, arteries and capillaries. The condition can also affect the lymph nodes and trigger symptoms in the mouth, nose and throat. Take note that it is the usual cause of heart disease among children.
In most instances, children can recover during the initial days of treatment without any serious issues. Recurrence is considered uncommon. If not properly treated, it can lead to serious heart disease.
What are the indications?
Kawasaki disease develops in phases with characteristic symptoms. The ailment usually arises during late winter and spring.
Early phases
The initial symptoms which last for up to 2 weeks might include:
- Rash on the groin and torso
- High fever that lasts for 5 days or more
- Bloodshot eyes without crusting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bright red, swollen lips
- “Strawberry” tongue that has a shiny appearance with bright red spots
- Swollen hands and feet
- Reddened palms and soles of the feet
The heart issues might also arise during this phase.
Late phases
The late symptoms usually start within 2 week of the fever. The skin on the feet and hands might start to peel and come off in sheets. Some children might even develop brief arthritis or joint pain.
Other indications that might arise include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged gallbladder
- Diarrhea
- Brief hearing loss
A doctor should be consulted if any of these symptoms are present. Children younger than 1 year old or older than 5 might have incomplete symptoms.
Management
Children who have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease should start treatment right away to prevent heart damage.
The initial line of treatment involves the infusion of antibodies over 12 hours in 10 days of the fever and daily intake of aspirin over the next 4 days. The child might be required to continue taking lower doses of aspirin for 6-8 weeks after the fever settles to prevent blood clot formation.
In some children, a longer treatment might be required to prevent a heart attack or blocked artery. In such instances, the treatment involves daily doses of antiplatelet aspirin until a normal echocardiograph is taken. It might take 6-8 weeks for any abnormalities with the coronary arteries to reverse.