Kawasaki disease is a childhood illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, mostly affecting kids under five. Sometimes, older children and even adults can get it. While the exact cause remains a mystery, researchers suspect it might be due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
The disease generally unfolds in distinct stages. At first, children experience a high fever lasting more than five days, accompanied by symptoms like bloodshot eyes, a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and red or swollen lips and tongue. In the next phase, symptoms might include joint pain and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Most children’s symptoms start to fade after a few weeks, but some can develop long-term heart problems. Quick diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.
About 4,200 children in the U.S. get Kawasaki disease each year. Even though it can be serious, with proper medical care, most kids recover fully without any lasting issues.
Kawasaki disease happens in three stages over several weeks, and symptoms vary; some kids show all symptoms, while others may only have a few. The first stage is acute, lasting one to two weeks, and the main symptom is a high fever that doesn’t respond to typical fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
The second phase usually begins around two weeks after the fever starts and lasts two to three weeks, featuring additional symptoms.
The third phase can last from a few weeks to months, during which most children begin to recover as symptoms lessen. However, some might still experience signs and symptoms.
Researchers think Kawasaki disease might be triggered by an abnormal immune reaction, possibly due to certain infections, though no specific virus or bacteria has been pinpointed. It’s also not contagious and can’t be spread from one person to another.
Doctors diagnose Kawasaki disease by reviewing medical history, conducting a physical exam, and running diagnostic tests. They look for symptoms like fever, rash, bloodshot eyes, and swollen lymph nodes, using tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment in a hospital usually starts within the first 10 days after symptoms appear to minimize the risk of heart issues. The focus is on easing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preventing long-term damage.
While there’s no known way to prevent Kawasaki disease, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further problems and reduce the risk of lasting damage. With timely care, most children recover without long-term complications. However, if left untreated, serious health issues, especially related to the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart, can develop.
Providing emotional support and reassurance during the acute phase can help both the child and their caregivers manage the disease’s challenges. Seeking support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is also beneficial. Following the treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments are essential for recovery, allowing healthcare providers to track progress and address any concerns. With proper care, children can lead normal, healthy lives post-recovery.
In rare instances, some children have developed a condition similar to Kawasaki disease following a COVID-19 infection, known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which has some overlapping and distinct features.
Generally, Kawasaki disease resolves within 6-8 weeks, even without treatment. However, medical care is recommended to avoid potential long-term heart issues. With timely intervention, the risk of complications decreases significantly, and most children make a full recovery. Neglecting timely treatment could lead to permanent damage, particularly to the heart and blood vessels.
