e the most common symptoms of Kawasaki disease. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- moderate to high fever (101° F to 104° F) that rises and falls for at least 5 days and up to three weeks
- swollen lymph glands in the neck
- rash on the back, chest, abdomen, and/or groin
- bloodshot eyes
- sensitivity to light
- swollen, coated tongue
- dry, red, cracked lips
- dark red interior surfaces of the mouth
- red, swollen palms of hands and soles of feet
- peeling skin around the nailbeds, hands, or feet
- swollen, painful joints
The symptoms of Kawasaki disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?
Your child's physician will obtain a medical history, and perform a physical examination. At least 5 days of fever and several of the above mentioned symptoms need to be present for your child's physician to consider Kawasaki's disease as the cause for the illness.
Diagnostic tests may also include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
- echocardiogram (echo) - a procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.
- x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
- complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. The physician will look for an elevation in the numbers of white blood cells which normally multiply in the presence of infection and may notice elevated platelet levels with Kawasaki disease as well.
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) - a blood test that measures the amount of inflammation going on in the body. This is not a specific test to determine why or where the inflammation is occurring.
- urinalysis - testing of a urine sample for protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, or casts to indicate kidney disease associated with several rheumatic diseases.
Treatment for Kawasaki disease:
Specific treatment for Kawasaki disease will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Prior to the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease by your child's physician, the goal of treatment is to provide comfort for your child. Fever reduction and increasing fluids are very helpful. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is often used for fever.
Once the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is made, your child's physician may prescribe aspirin to help decrease the inflammation that the illness produces, as well as to prevent clots from forming. However, always check with your child's physician before giving your child aspirin. Intravenous medication called gamma globulin (IVIG) decreases the risk of the heart being affected and can significantly reduce the risk for long term complications for Kawasaki disease. IVIG is given in the hospital.
Can Kawasaki disease be prevented?
Currently, there is no known way to prevent Kawasaki disease.
Long-term outlook after having Kawasaki disease:
With appropriate treatment, about 95 percent of all children have a full recovery after Kawasaki disease resolves. If an aneurysm is detected, echocardiograms will be repeated periodically, sometimes for several years after the illness. Some heart problems may not be evident right away, so it is important to keep follow-up appointments with your child's physician, even if your child is feeling well.