ABOUT THE DISEASE
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five. There is inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries, also known as vasculitis. It is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it also affects lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose and throat. It is not contagious in nature.
SYMPTOMS
There is high fever that lasts for at least five days. This may be associated with:
- • Red eyes
- • Body rash
- • Swollen, red, cracked lips and tongue
- • Swollen, red feet and hands
- • Swollen Lymph nodes in the neck
- • Peeling of the skin on the tips of fingers and toes
- • Joint pain
- • Extreme Irritability
- • Abdominal pain
CAUSES
The cause of Kawasaki disease is not fully understood, but the condition is thought to be caused by an infection, by bacteria or viruses or other environmental factors.
DIAGNOSIS
There`s no specific test available to diagnose Kawasaki disease.
- Physical Examination
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
TREATMENT METHODS
Most of the children would recover completely with treatment, which includes:
• Intravenous Gamma globulin
• Aspirin
Those who develop heart problems may require anticoagulant therapy, coronary angioplasty, stent placement, bypass surgery.
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Vasculitis
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