|
Introduction
Kawasaki disease is a
severe, rare childhood illness that causes inflammation
of the blood vessels. This process is known as an
autoimmune attack, and can damage the heart, skin,
lymph nodes, and other body parts.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:
-
Fever
-
Both eyes are red
-
Throat is red
-
Swollen, red lips and tongue
-
Leg swelling
-
Skin peeling
-
Skin becomes red
-
Rash
-
Palms and soles may be red
-
Enlarged lymph glands of the back of the neck
-
Joint swelling and pain may be seen
Causes
Although a specific
cause has not yet been identified, researchers
suspect Kawasaki disease may be related to a virus
or bacteria.
Treatment
Kawasaki syndrome is
usually treated with a combination of aspirin, to
control the patient's fever and skin inflammation, and
high doses of intravenous immune globulin to reduce
the possibility of coronary artery complications.
|
