May also be called: Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; MCLS
Kawasaki (kow-uh-SAH-kee) disease is a rare condition that affects about 19 out of every 100,000 kids in the United States. It's most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups. It's also more common in boys than girls.
The first phase of symptoms, which can last for up to 2 weeks, usually involves a fever. Other early symptoms include redness in the eyes, skin rash, cracked lips, swollen tongue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and swollen palms and soles of the feet. Later symptoms include joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and peeling of the skin on the hands and feet.
Doctors can manage the symptoms of Kawasaki disease if they catch it early. Untreated cases can lead to more serious problems, such as vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, can contribute to heart disease.
Treatment usually involves intravenous (IV) doses of gamma globulin (purified antibodies). High doses of aspirin may also be given to reduce the risk of heart problems.
Kawasaki disease can be serious, so see a doctor about a fever combined with other symptoms of the disease. If treatment is started early, kids with Kawasaki disease can fully recover within a few days.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
|American Heart Association This group is dedicated to providing education and information on fighting heart disease and stroke. Contact the American Heart Association at: American Heart Association|
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|American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.|
|Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection, some cancers, and certain autoimmune diseases.|
|Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate This test measures the speed at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of an upright glass test tube. Find out why doctors do it and what's involved for teens.|
|Kawasaki Disease Kawasaki disease is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups. The first symptom is a high fever that lasts for at least 5 days.|
|Heart and Circulatory System The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.|
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