Kawasaki Disease - Information - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment
Information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease, a rare non-specific syndrome. Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common type of vasculitis affecting children. KD, which is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, can cause swelling, irritation and inflammation in many tissues of the body but primary concern is with heart and blood vessel involvement.
Kawasaki Disease - What is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is a non-specific disease, with no apparent infectious agent, that affects the mucous membranes, lymph nodes, walls of the blood vessels, and the heart. The cause of Kawasaki disease has not been determined. Kawasaki disease is predominantly a disease of young children, with 80% of patients younger than 5 years of age.
Kawasaki disease is a non-specific disease, with no apparent infectious agent, that affects the mucous membranes, lymph nodes, walls of the blood vessels, and the heart. The cause of Kawasaki disease has not been determined. Kawasaki disease is predominantly a disease of young children, with 80% of patients younger than 5 years of age.
Kawasaki Disease - Symptoms
A physical examination for Kawasaki Disease symptoms may show fever, bloodshot or red eyes, chapped or cracked lips, red mucous membranes in the mouth, swollen or peeling hands and feet, rashes, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain. Testing may reveal signs of myocarditis, pericarditis, arthritis, aseptic meningitis, and coronary vasculitis.
A physical examination for Kawasaki Disease symptoms may show fever, bloodshot or red eyes, chapped or cracked lips, red mucous membranes in the mouth, swollen or peeling hands and feet, rashes, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain. Testing may reveal signs of myocarditis, pericarditis, arthritis, aseptic meningitis, and coronary vasculitis.
Kawasaki Disease: How to Treat Kawasaki Disease
It is imperative that treatment be started as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent damage to the coronary arteries and heart. Intravenous gamma globulin is the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease and is administered in high doses. Salicylate therapy, particularly aspirin, remains an important part of the treatment.
It is imperative that treatment be started as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent damage to the coronary arteries and heart. Intravenous gamma globulin is the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease and is administered in high doses. Salicylate therapy, particularly aspirin, remains an important part of the treatment.
Kawasaki's Disease - Peeling of the fingertips - Photo-Picture
Kawasaki's disease causes various rashes and manifestations of the mucous membranes and skin. This photograph shows the skin peeling away from the fingertips. This can also occur on the palms, toes, soles, and around the nails.
Kawasaki's disease causes various rashes and manifestations of the mucous membranes and skin. This photograph shows the skin peeling away from the fingertips. This can also occur on the palms, toes, soles, and around the nails.
Kawasaki's disease - Edema of the Hand - Photo-Picture
Kawasaki's disease can produce various rashes and skin manifestations. This photograph shows mild swelling (edema) and redness associated with the disease. The hands and feet may be tender to touch and the skin may peel once the redness begins to fade.
Kawasaki's disease can produce various rashes and skin manifestations. This photograph shows mild swelling (edema) and redness associated with the disease. The hands and feet may be tender to touch and the skin may peel once the redness begins to fade.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits, above the clavicle, in the neck and the back of the head just above hairline.
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits, above the clavicle, in the neck and the back of the head just above hairline.
Kawasaki Disease from MedicineNet
Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that mainly strikes young children. Signs of the disease include fever and red eyes, hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. The disease can be treated with high doses of aspirin (salicylic acid) and gamma globulin. Kawasaki disease usually resolves on its own within a month or two. Some children with Kawasaki disease suffer damage to the coronary arteries.
Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that mainly strikes young children. Signs of the disease include fever and red eyes, hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. The disease can be treated with high doses of aspirin (salicylic acid) and gamma globulin. Kawasaki disease usually resolves on its own within a month or two. Some children with Kawasaki disease suffer damage to the coronary arteries.