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Kawasaki Disease

January 27, 2023 admin-cygnus-ujala Heart Health

Kawasaki disease occurs in children and causes inflammation and swelling of small or medium arteries of the heart that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

This disease was previously known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome since it also leads to swelling in glands (lymph nodes) and mucous membranes within the mouth, eyes, nose, and throat.

Causes

The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. However, it is evident that the disease is not contagious. Some researchers believe it occurs after a bacterial or viral infection and is linked to many environmental factors. Genetic predisposition may also be associated.

Symptoms

Children who have Kawasaki disease may experience some distinct symptoms. The following are the typical symptoms that help diagnose the condition:

High fever (102.2 F) for more than five days
An enlarged lymph node in the neck
Swollen hands and feet with their skin peeling
Red eyes and tongue
Rashes appear on any parts of the body, including the genitals
Red, dry, cracked lips along with an extremely red, swollen tongue

The other signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease that may or may not develop in all cases include:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Irritability
Joint pain
Vomiting

Diagnosis

Doctors often try diagnosing a condition with the symptoms. Kawasaki disease may be a provisional diagnosis when the patient suffers from a long-lasting fever and any of its classical signs are evident. Doctors advise the following tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions,

Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are advised to eliminate any associated heart conditions.
help assess the extent of the condition.
X-rays and coronary angiograms aid in the evaluation of the affected areas.

Treatment

Children often experience pain due to fever, skin issues and swelling. Doctors prescribe medicines to alleviate pain and control temperature. Alternatively, one can use wet wipes on the skin to make it cooler or have a cold water bath to reduce body temperature.

Medicines such as paracetamol and aspirin help with fever and body aches and also prevent blood clots. However, it is essential to take them with the doctor’s consent.

Doctors may additionally advise immunoglobulin injections given intravenously or IV. They help strengthen the defence system and fight infection since they are proteins called antibodies. In addition, immunoglobulin injections given in combination with aspirin have a better effect on the body than aspirin taken alone. Therefore, it reduces the risk of a heart ailment in the long run.

Most treatments for Kawasaki disease are carried out in a hospital because of the risk of complications.

Prevention

Kawasaki Disease is not contagious, which means that it does not spread from one person to another. Also, it cannot be prevented since its cause is not known.