Kawasaki Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition. It affects small and medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body. It primarily impacts heart arteries in children, the vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
The disease is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it causes swelling in lymph nodes and affects mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat.
Common symptoms include high fever, swollen hands and feet (often with peeling skin), red eyes, and a bright red tongue. While these symptoms can be concerning for parents, Kawasaki disease can typically be managed effectively.
When treatment begins early, most children recover completely without lasting complications.
Signs and Symptoms
Kawasaki disease typically starts with a high fever that stays above 102.2ยฐF (39ยฐC) for five or more days. For a full diagnosis, the child must also have at least four of these key symptoms:
- Red rash on the main body or genital area
- Swollen lymph node in the neck
- Very red eyes without thick discharge
- Red, cracked lips and swollen, red tongue
- Swollen and red palms and soles, followed by peeling skin on fingers and toes
These symptoms may not appear all at once. It’s important to tell your doctor about any symptoms that have already gone away.
Children might also experience:
| Additional Symptoms |
|---|
| Stomach pain |
| Diarrhea |
| Unusual fussiness |
| Pain in the joints |
| Vomiting |
Some children have what doctors call “incomplete Kawasaki disease.” These children have a high fever for five or more days but show fewer than four of the main symptoms.
Even with incomplete Kawasaki disease, there’s still a risk of heart artery damage. Kawasaki disease symptoms can look similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, which is linked to COVID-19.
When to Contact a Doctor
Call your child’s doctor if your child has a fever lasting more than three days. Getting treatment for Kawasaki disease within 10 days of the first symptoms can lower the risk of permanent damage to the heart’s arteries.
Causes
The exact cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown. Scientists believe it is not contagious from person to person. Research suggests several possible triggers:
- Infection from bacteria or viruses
- Environmental factors
- Genetic predisposition
Some children may have genes that make them more vulnerable to developing this condition. After exposure to certain triggers, their immune system responds abnormally, leading to the symptoms of Kawasaki disease.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can raise a child’s chance of getting Kawasaki disease:
- Age: Children younger than 5 years old face the highest risk.
- Gender: Boys have a slightly higher likelihood of developing the disease.
- Ethnicity: Asian and Pacific Islander children show higher rates of this condition.
The disease also follows seasonal patterns. In North America and similar climate regions, Kawasaki disease appears more frequently during winter months and early spring.
Complications
Kawasaki disease is a primary cause of heart disease among children in developed nations. Most children recover without lasting damage with proper treatment, but heart complications can occur.
Heart-related complications include:
- Coronary artery inflammation – swelling of blood vessels, particularly arteries supplying blood to the heart.
- Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Valve issues – problems with heart valves functioning properly.
These complications can harm the heart. When arteries become inflamed, they may weaken and develop an aneurysm (a bulge in the artery wall). Aneurysms increase the risk of blood clots forming, which might lead to heart attacks or internal bleeding.
In rare cases, Kawasaki disease may cause life-threatening coronary artery problems in children.
