What Is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness characterized by prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, mucosal inflammation, and cervical lymphadenopathy.
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that affects children under five years old. It causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the body, which can cause heart problems.
The cause of this condition is unknown.
There is no cure for Kawasaki disease. However, there are treatments available to help reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
What Causes Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is caused by infection with group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). It usually occurs during infancy and early childhood.
What Are Kawasaki Disease Symptoms?
There are several symptoms associated with Kawasaki disease. These include high fever, irritability, redness of the eyes, swollen glands, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and difficulty breathing.
How Do You Diagnose Kawasaki Disease?
A diagnosis of Kawasaki disease requires a combination of clinical features and laboratory tests. The clinical features of Kawasaki disease include fever, rash, conjuctival injection, oral mucosa changes, extremity changes, and cervical lymph node enlargement. Laboratory testing includes measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, and serum electrolytes.
What Are Kawasaki Syndrome Treatments?
There are two main treatments for Kawasaki disease: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. IVIG is given as a treatment for children with severe cases of Kawasaki disease. Aspirin is used to treat milder cases of Kawasaki disease and prevent coronary artery damage.