What Is Kawasaki Disease? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Neha Mukhi , Pediatricians

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

In children, Kawasaki disease (KD) causes swelling (inflammation) in the walls of blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body. Kawasaki disease usually causes inflammation of the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It was initially known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it caused swelling in glands (lymph nodes) and mucous membranes within the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat.

Children with this disease may have a high fever, swollen hands and feet, peeling skin, and red eyes and mouth. However, KD is usually treatable, and most children recover without significant complications if they get treatment within ten days after getting the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease?

Kawasaki disease develops quickly, and symptoms occur in stages. The following are symptoms of the first stage of Kawasaki disease:

High fever (above 101 F) that lasts more than five days.
Rash and peeling skin
Swelling and redness in hands and bottoms of feet
Red eyes
Swollen glands
Irritated throat, mouth, and lips
Swollen tongue.

In the second stage , the symptoms include

Joint pain
Belly pain
Diarrhea and vomiting,
Peeling skin on hands and feet

What Causes Kawasaki Disease?

The exact cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown. Researchers believe it may result from an abnormal immune response triggered by an infection in genetically susceptible children. Although the disease is not contagious, inflammation throughout the body plays a central role in its development and can affect the blood vessels, especially those supplying the heart.

Possible contributing factors include:

Immune system overreaction following a viral or bacterial infection
Widespread inflammation affecting blood vessels
Vasculitis (inflammation of medium-sized arteries)
Genetic susceptibility in some children

When Should You See a Doctor for Kawasaki Disease?

Consult a pediatrician immediately if your child has a fever lasting more than five days, especially when accompanied by rash, red eyes, swollen hands or feet, or changes in the lips and tongue. Early treatment significantly lowers the risk of coronary artery complications.

Fever lasting five or more days
Rash with swollen hands or feet
Red eyes without discharge
Cracked lips or strawberry tongue
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Persistent irritability or reduced activity

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and improve outcomes.

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How Is Kawasaki Disease Diagnosed?

There is no single test for Kawasaki disease. A doctor would examine the child's symptoms and rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as:

Scarlet fever
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
measles
Toxic shock syndrome
idiopathic juvenile arthritis
juvenile mercury poisoning,
medical reaction

A pediatrician might order additional tests to check how the disease has affected the heart. These may include

Echocardiography : Echocardiography is a painless procedure that creates images of the heart and its arteries using sound waves. This test may need to be repeated to see whether Kawasaki's illness has impacted the heart over time.
Blood test : To rule out other conditions, blood tests may be conducted. In KD, there may be an increase in white blood cells, a decrease in red blood cells, and inflammation.
Chest X-ray :A chest X-ray creates black-and-white images of the heart and lungs. A doctor may order this test for heart failure and inflammation signs.
Electrocardiogram : An electrocardiogram, or ECG, records the heart's electrical activity. Irregularities in the ECG may indicate that KD has affected the heart.Kawasaki disease should be considered in any newborn or kid with a fever lasting more than five days. This is especially true if they have other typical illness signs, such as peeling skin.

What Are the Treatment Options for Kawasaki Disease?

Treatment should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first ten days after symptoms appear, to reduce the risk of heart damage. Most children respond well to medications that reduce inflammation and prevent blood clot formation, along with close monitoring during recovery.

Treatment options include:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
High-dose aspirin followed by low-dose aspirin
Corticosteroids for selected high-risk children
Regular echocardiograms to monitor heart health
Long-term cardiac follow-up if coronary artery abnormalities develo

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Who Is at Risk of Developing Kawasaki Disease?

Although Kawasaki disease can affect any child, certain groups are more likely to develop the condition. The disease is seen most often in young children, particularly boys, and genetic factors may increase susceptibility in some families.

Risk factors include:

Age between 6 months and 5 years
Male sex
Asian or Pacific Island ancestry (especially Japanese and Korean)
Family history of Kawasaki disease
Genetic predisposition

What Complications Can Kawasaki Disease Cause?

In developed countries, Kawasaki illness is children's leading cause of acquired heart disease. However, without treatment, children face long-term consequences. Complications of the heart include

Inflammation of blood vessels.
Inflammation of the heart muscle
Heart valve problems

Any of these conditions might cause heart impairment. Inflammation of the coronary arteries can cause the arterial wall to weaken and protrude (aneurysm). Aneurysms increase the chance of blood clots, resulting in a heart attack or life-threatening internal bleeding.

Can Kawasaki Disease Be Prevented?

There is no way to prevent Kawasaki Disease because it is not infectious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Care at Medicover Hospitals

At Medicover, we have the best team of medical experts who treat Kawasaki Disease. We have round-the-clock doctors, laboratory, ICU, radiology, and emergency services to ensure patients receive the best possible care on time. The department is staffed by renowned healthcare professionals and compassionate, well-trained paramedical staff to provide satisfactory treatment to our patients.

Citations

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/kawasaki.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Kawasaki disease have long-term effects?

However, long-term effects of Kawasaki disease can include heart valve issues, abnormal heartbeat rhythm, inflammation of the heart muscle, and aneurysms.

2. What is another name for Kawasaki disease?

Another name for Kawasaki disease is mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

3. What age group does Kawasaki disease affect?

Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is an acute febrile illness of unknown etiology that primarily affects children younger than 5.

4. How long does a fever last with Kawasaki disease?

A fever lasting at least five days is a common sign of the condition. The fever might last up to two weeks.

5. Is Kawasaki disease lifelong?

Most patients with KD appear to have a benign prognosis, but some patients with coronary artery aneurysms are at risk of ischemic episodes and must be treated for the rest of their lives.