Kawasaki Disease

What is Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease causes a prolonged fever that's associated with damage to the heart and blood vessels. The cause is unknown but it's thought that a virus or bacterial infection may be responsible.

What are the Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease

The symptoms of Kawasaki disease appear in phases. The first symptom is a fever that lasts at least five days. In the early stages it's difficult to distinguish the illness from a heavy cold.

Within a couple of days of the fever arising, conjunctivitis of both eyes and painful swollen neck glands appear.

After a few more days, a blotchy pink rash may appear on the trunk and genital area, the lips may become dry, red, cracked and swollen, the tongue becomes red and swollen like a strawberry, and the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet become swollen and purple-red in colour.

What are the Causes of Kawasaki Disease

Asian and Afro-Caribbean people are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease, and boys are affected more often than girls. About one in five children affected will suffer heart damage as a result of the disease.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Kawasaki Disease

It's not currently possible to prevent Kawasaki disease, which is fatal for about one in 50 children affected.

Prompt treatment reduces the risk of potentially life-threatening heart-related complications. Treatment is usually with intravenous gammaglobulin (purified antibodies). High-dose aspirin is also given to reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms.