Kawasaki Disease

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 30 Jan 2025 | 04:38 PM (IST)

Also known as Kawasaki Syndrome, Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome-MCLS, and Infantile Polyarteritis Nodosa

Overview

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels, mainly affecting young children. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to genetic factors and an overactive immune response, possibly by infections.

Fever, rash, red eyes, swollen hands and feet, and swollen lymph nodes characterize it. It is more common in children under 5 and tends to affect boys more than girls.

Treatment for Kawasaki disease often involves high-dose aspirin to reduce fever and inflammation and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help prevent heart complications. Close monitoring and follow-up are crucial for managing the disease's effects on the heart and blood vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kawasaki disease cause pain?

Your child may experience swelling, redness, and hardness in their hands and feet. They may also feel pain and tenderness when touching or putting weight on them, leading to reluctance to walk or crawl.

Does Kawasaki disease last throughout a person's life?

Children with Kawasaki disease can fully recover with appropriate treatment and without developing aneurysms (bulging of the arteries). Long-term follow-up is usually not necessary, but it may take up to two months for them to fully return to normal.

Is it possible for a child to have Kawasaki disease more than once?

Kawasaki disease recurrence is extremely uncommon, affecting less than one percent of cases. However, children who have previously had Kawasaki disease may experience peeling of their hands and feet when they are sick with other infections, which is usually not a reoccurrence of the disease but can cause concern for families.

Is Kawasaki disease contagious?

No, Kawasaki disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. It is believed to have an inflammatory and immune system component, possibly triggered by infections or other factors, rather than being transmitted through contact with an affected individual.

Can adults develop Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is most commonly diagnosed in children, especially those under the age of five. However, adults can also develop the condition, although it's much rarer. Adult-onset Kawasaki disease may present with similar symptoms, but the diagnostic criteria and management might differ due to variations in clinical presentation and potential underlying health conditions.

Making healthcareUnderstandable, Accessible & AffordableMade with ❤ by Tata 1mg

Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

Living with

FAQs

References