Kawasaki Disease
Description
Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that primarily affects children under five years old. It causes inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), especially in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. The exact cause is unknown but may involve an abnormal immune response triggered by an infection. Symptoms appear in three phases: Acute phase (1-2 weeks) – High fever lasting more than five days, red eyes, red tongue ("strawberry tongue"), swollen hands and feet, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, Subacute phase (weeks 2-4) – Skin peeling on fingers and toes, joint pain, diarrhea, and risk of heart complications, and Convalescent phase (weeks 4-8) – Symptoms gradually improve, but the risk of coronary artery aneurysms remains. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and blood tests, echocardiograms, and ECGs to check for heart involvement. Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin reduces complications. Without treatment, Kawasaki disease can lead to heart attacks or aneurysms in children.