Understanding Kawasaki Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Kawasaki Syndrome

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome - Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome

General

Kawasaki disease causes swelling (inflammation) in the walls of small and medium-sized blood vessels. As a result of Kawasaki disease, the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood, become inflamed.

10 people with Kawasaki Syndrome

Learn from others who are experiencing Kawasaki Syndrome.

Signs & symptoms

Typically, a child with Kawasaki disease will have a fever greater than 102.2F (39C) for five or more days and at least four of these symptoms. Rashes on the body or on the genital area Neck lymph nodes that are enlarged Eyes that are extremely red without a thick discharge A red, dry, cracked lip and an extremely red, swollen tongue A swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, with later peeling of the skin on the fingers and toes It is possible that the symptoms do not occur simultaneously.

Diagnosis

Kawasaki disease cannot be diagnosed with a specific test. In order to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to rule out other diseases that cause similar signs and symptoms. As part of the diagnosis, the health care provider will perform a physical examination and order blood and urine tests.

Treatment

It is best to begin treatment for Kawasaki disease as soon as possible, preferably while your child is still febrile, in order to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Initially, fever and inflammation should be lowered, as well as damage to the heart should be prevented. Kawasaki disease can be treated with the following methods: Gamma globulin. An immune protein (gamma globulin) infused through a vein (intravenously) can lower the risk of coronary artery disease. As a result, the vessels are less likely to be inflamed. An aspirin. Inflammation might be treated with high doses of aspirin. Additionally, aspirin can reduce pain, joint inflammation, and fever. Once the fever has subsided for 48 hours, the aspirin dose will likely be lowered.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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