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Introducing Kawasaki disease -

Kawasaki disease, otherwise known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a potentially serious condition that predominantly affects children under the age of five.

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Main symptom -

A child with this condition has a high temperature that lasts for five days or longer, as well as one or more other symptoms.

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Other symptoms -

Possible other symptoms include a rash, swollen glands in the neck, dry, red, and cracked lips, strawberry tongue (i.e. a bumpy and swollen tongue), redness inside the mouth and throat, and redness of the eyes, hands, and feet.

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Recovery time -

With the right treatment, Kawasaki symptoms can become less severe over a few weeks. However, for some children it takes longer than this.

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Causes -

It is not known exactly what causes Kawasaki disease, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors.

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Bacteria or virus -

The symptoms of Kawasaki disease are similar to those of an infection, so it makes sense that a bacteria or virus would be responsible.

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None identified -

However, scientists have not yet identified a bacterial or viral cause for Kawasaki disease.

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Not caused by a virus alone -

Furthermore, Kawasaki disease is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. This suggests it is not caused by a virus alone.

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The role of genetics -

It is also thought that children who develop Kawasaki disease may be genetically predisposed to it, i.e. their genes may make them more likely to get the condition.

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Combination of genes -

Rather than there being a single gene responsible, scientists suspect that Kawasaki disease may emerge as a result of many genes that slightly increase the chance of it developing.

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Geographical occurrence -

Kawasaki disease is slightly more common in children from Northeast Asia, which is another reason scientists believe that it may be partly genetically driven.

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When to seek medical attention -

If your child has a persistent high temperature and one or more symptoms of Kawasaki disease, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.

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Kawasaki disease in infants -

This is all the more important if your child is younger than one year old, since the condition can progress more quickly in younger children.

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Full recovery time -

Kawasaki disease cannot be prevented, but, with the proper treatment, children can make a full recovery within six to eight weeks.

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The importance of early diagnosis -

As well as ensuring a speedy recovery, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent any complications of Kawasaki disease.

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Treatment -

This condition is always treated in hospitals, and there are two main treatments: aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin.

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Aspirin -

The aspirin serves to bring down your child’s temperature and reduce their pain and discomfort. Aspirin can also act as an anti-inflammatory (at a high dose) and an antiplatelet (at a low dose).

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Aspirin -

Children under 16 years of age are not usually prescribed aspirin, but this is one case where it may be recommended.

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Important! -

That said, you should never give your child aspirin, unless it is recommended by a healthcare professional. It can cause serious side effects, such as Reye’s syndrome.

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IVIG -

The intravenous immunoglobulin (also referred to as IVIG) is a solution of antibodies that serves to reduce fever and lower the risk of heart problems.

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Speedy recovery -

After your child is given IVIG, their symptoms should improve within 36 hours. If their temperature does not come down after this time, they may be given a second dose.

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Corticosteroids -

In cases where IVIG does not improve a child’s condition, they may be given corticosteroids. This medicine contains powerful hormones that have a number of effects on the body.

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Risk of complications -

If Kawasaki disease is caught early, the risk of complications is low. Without treatment, however, one in four children will develop heart complications. This can be fatal in 2-3% of cases.

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Kawasaki and acquired heart disease -

Because of this risk, Kawasaki is one of the main causes of acquired heart disease in children under five.

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After treatment -

Once your child is discharged from the hospital, you will be given instructions for how to care for them at home.

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Advice for parents and guardians -

Usually you will be advised to make sure they are as comfortable as possible and ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids.

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Follow-up appointment -

Your child will be given a follow-up appointment, and doctors will continue to monitor their heart. Once an echocardiogram confirms there are no heart abnormalities, the prescription of aspirin will usually stop.

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Follow-up treatment -

As mentioned, some children make a full recovery from Kawasaki in six weeks, but for others it can take longer. If there are complications, follow-up treatment may be needed.

Sources: (NHS) (Mayo Clinic) (CDC)

See also: The most painful injuries and conditions humans can experience

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