What is Kawasaki disease?

     Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes the inflammation of arteries. It also affects lymph nodes, skin, nose, mucous membrane in the mouth and also throat. It generally attacks the children below 5 years. This disease is also called as Kawasaki syndrome.

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease:

1. High temperatures which may extend to a period of 5 to 10 days if not monitored properly.
2. Irritation of the eyes causing their reddening
3. Cracked and swollen lips and mucous membrane of the mouth
4. Ulcerative gum disease
5. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
6. Skin rash that is raised and bright red in color
7. Severe abdominal pain
8. Peeling of the skin in fingers and toes

Symptoms in severe cases:

     Inflammation of the lining of the heart, arthritis and the inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord are caused when the case is very severe.

Causes of Kawasaki disease:

     Though the causes of Kawasaki disease is not known clearly, the researches state that it may occur due to the abnormality of the immune system of the body. It may be caused because of virus, bacteria or a unique bacterial toxin.

Treatment of Kawasaki disease:

      The parents of the children below 5 years must be alert and conscious if their children develop any of these above mentioned symptoms. The treatment given in the proper time prevents lots of critical health problems created by Kawasaki disease. To confirm this disease, the doctors conduct blood test, urine test, ECG, liver function test and so on. The treatment of this disease focuses on the reduction of pain, inflammation and blood clots in the arteries. The doctors prescribe aspirin and intravenous immunoglobin for the patient of Kawasaki disease. If the pain continues, the patient may be given pain killers and anti inflammatory medicines. In severe cases of Kawasaki disease, the patient may not respond to these treatments. At such times, the doctors may opt for the plasma exchange which involves the removal of a part of plasma and substituting it with protein enriched fluids.

     The patients, who have suffered Kawasaki disease, must have an ECG check up regularly for the first few weeks after recovering. A yearly ECG check up also will make their heart’s stability and functioning clear. Generally the Kawasaki disease occurs in the seasons of winter and spring. So during those seasons, the parents of the young children must take proper care regarding their children’s health which can prevent the occurring of the Kawasaki disease.