1. Don't Let the Name Fool You
Kawasaki syndrome strikes children under the age of five, mostly boys of Asian descent, but no race is immune. There is no known cause and no way to prevent it. The disease affects the skin, mouth and lymph nodes. Kawasaki syndrome, also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is one of the two main causes of acquired heart disease in American children.
2. Phases of Kawasaki Syndrome
This syndrome is not contagious, but it is considered a virus. Kawasaki syndrome begins with an extremely high fever of 104 degrees or higher. Your child can run a fever for five or more days and develop a rash on his chest, stomach and genitals. Red, dry lips and inflammation of the mouth, tongue and throat are other symptoms. The tongue has a white coating and big, red bumps on it. His eyes become red and irritated, and his hands and feet swell, turning a purple-red color. The lymph nodes in his neck swell also. All of these symptoms are a part of the first phase of the disease which can last for up to two weeks. Phase two commences about two weeks after the onset of the fever. Your son can experience abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. His hands and feet begin to peel off layers of skin.
3. Protect Against Heart Disease
Complications arise if Kawasaki syndrome isn't diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Heart problems develop if your child doesn't receive treatment within 10 days of when the symptoms appear. The coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart are affected due to an inflammation of the blood vessels. A portion of the coronary wall can bulge out and weaken causing an aneurysm. Your child could suffer a heart attack if the artery becomes blocked by a blood clot from the vulnerable part of the wall. Inflammation of the heart muscle, lining valves and the outer sac surrounding the heart can occur. She can develop an irregular heartbeat and several of the heart valves stop working properly. These problems fade within a couple of months. Her doctor can order an electrocardiogram or echo cardiogram to test her heart for any signs of damage.
4. Treatments of Choice
Kawasaki syndrome is treated using intravenous doses of gamma globulin or purified antibodies. These are a component of blood that fights infection. If provided near the beginning of the disease, this medicine can lessen the chance of coronary artery problems. High doses of aspirin are recommended to treat the rash, pain and reduce the fever. It can prevent blood clots and other heart problems. Your child's symptoms should improve shortly after beginning treatment.
5. Once and Its Done
Once a child has Kawasaki syndrome, chances are minimal that the disease will reoccur. This syndrome hasn't been found to be hereditary and it's uncommon for more than one child in a family to catch it.
Member Comments