1. Recognize Risk Factors That Increase the Chance of Kawasaki Disease
The origin of Kawasaki Disease has yet to be discovered, but there are some known risk factors that can help you recognize unfamiliar symptoms as Kawasaki related. The disease typically strikes children under the age of five and is seen most often in boys of Asian descent. Though the disease is much more prevalent in Japan and Korea than anywhere else, the number of cases seen in the United States is on the rise. These risk factors increase the possibility of Kawasaki Disease as a diagnosis, but even children without them can get it, so don't rule it out if your child's symptoms fit the Kawasaki pattern.
2. Recognize First-Phase Symptoms
The first phase of Kawasaki Disease can last up to two weeks and typically begins with a fever of 104 degrees F or higher. The fever persists for one week or longer and tends to be unresponsive to fever-reducing medications. It's frequently paired with crankiness or irritability. After the appearance of the persistent fever, be on the lookout for reddened eyes and lips, a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and a rash on your child's trunk and genitals. Though these can be symptoms of other illnesses, when accompanied by some of the more unique symptoms of Kawasaki Disease--like a white-coated, swollen tongue covered in red bumps and swollen, reddish-purple palms and soles of the feet--the symptoms are recognizable as the first phase of Kawasaki Disease.
3. Recognize Second-Phase Symptoms
The second phase symptoms of Kawasaki Disease will appear within two weeks of your child having the persistent fever. If the disease wasn't successfully recognized and treated during its first phase, the swollen, discolored skin on your child's palms and the bottom of his feet will probably begin to slough off and he may experience diarrhea and vomiting. You should also keep an ear out for complaints of achy joints and abdominal pain.
