Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an inflammatory condition that affects the lymph nodes, skin and arteries. This disease most commonly affects children of Asian descent who are between 2 and 5 years old, as reported by The Mayo Clinic. Though the cause of this condition is unknown, certain medical researchers believe that a virus may be responsible. The three distinct phases of Kawasaki disease can result in different symptoms, which should be discussed with a doctor.
Fever
Initially, children with Kawasaki disease have a high fever that can range from 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and typically persist for one to two weeks, explains Medline Plus, an informational medical website established by the National Institutes of Health. Affected children also may experience sweating, chills or headache symptoms due to fever.
Eye Inflammation
Severe eye inflammation can occur as a symptom of Kawasaki disease in certain children. Affected children may have extremely red or bloodshot eyes but do not have eye discharge, explains the University of California, San Francisco, Children's Hospital. Eye inflammation may cause affected children to rub or touch their eyes frequently, which may worsen the symptoms.
Dry, Cracked Tongue
A child with Kawasaki disease can develop a dry, cracked tongue. The tongue can appear unusually swollen or red and may have elevated red bumps, symptoms that are referred to collectively as strawberry tongue. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may occur in conjunction with dry, chapped lips.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes serve to filter infection and pathogenic substances out of the blood. Children with this disease can develop enlarged, swollen lymph nodes that protrude from the neck, groin or underneath the armpits. Affected lymph nodes are typically painless but may be tender to the touch in certain children.
Skin Peeling and Joint Pain
During the second phase of Kawasaki disease, children can develop extensive peeling of the skin on the feet, hands or genitals, explains The Mayo Clinic. Sheets of skin along the fingers and toes can begin to flake off and may cause the affected body regions to appear inflamed or swollen. Certain children may also have joint swelling or pain, which may lead to discomfort when moving about normally.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset symptoms can arise in certain children during the second stage of this disease, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, explains Medline Plus. During the third stage of Kawasaki disease, initial symptoms progressively subside but additional heart-related complications can arise in certain children.
