Causes of Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare medical condition that affects children, most often those between the ages of 2 and 5. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, but research seems to indicate a bacterial or viral infection may cause the condition. It's also possible that children with certain genes are more likely to get Kawasaki disease, but that has not been proven. The condition can be serious if not treated promptly, but most children will make a full recovery.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of Kawasaki disease include a high fever that lasts at least five days and sometimes as long as two weeks, dry cracked lips, a swollen tongue, swollen lymph nodes, a rash, swollen and red feet and hands and red eyes. In the later stages of the disease, children may experience peeling skin, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain and abdominal pain.

Treatment

• Prompt treatment of Kawasaki disease is very important to minimize the risk of complications. It is best to start treatment while the child still has a fever. The goal of early treatment centers on lowering the fever, limiting inflammation and preventing heart damage. Treatment will also include monitoring the child to make sure no complications develop.

Complications

• The main complications from Kawasaki disease are heart problems. In cases where treatment begins early, heart problems generally do not develop. If a child shows any signs of heart problems, doctors will continue to monitor the child regularly even after the child is well again. Heart problems that can develop as a result of Kawasaki disease include inflammation of the blood vessels or heart muscle and an abnormal heart rhythm.

Diagnosis

• There is no specific test available to diagnose Kawasaki disease. To make a diagnosis, doctors typically take note of a child's symptoms and rule out any other possibilities. Diagnostic tests such as blood and urine samples may be used to help rule out other conditions.

Risk Factors

• Although any child can develop Kawasaki disease, it is more common in children of Korean and Japanese decent. Additionally, more boys than girls develop the condition.