Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood illness that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, especially the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply the heart). It mostly affects children under 5. The cause isn't fully known, but early diagnosis and treatment almost entirely prevent its most serious complication — damage to the heart arteries.

Classic features

• High fever lasting 5 or more days that doesn't settle with usual medicines.
• Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge.
• Red lips, strawberry tongue, red mouth.
• Rash — often on the trunk and nappy area.
• Red, swollen hands and feet, with peeling skin after a few days.
• Swollen lymph node in the neck, usually on one side.

When to see a Health Expert urgently

• Any child with fever for 5 days or more, especially a young child, should be evaluated — particularly if the eyes, mouth, hands or feet look inflamed.
• Early treatment (within the first 10 days of illness) dramatically lowers the risk of coronary artery damage.

Treatment

• Hospitalisation is usually needed.
• The main treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given as a drip, together with aspirin.
• After discharge, the child needs follow-up with a paediatric cardiologist — usually an ECHO at diagnosis and then again after several weeks.

India context

Kawasaki disease is often mistaken in India for a longer-running viral illness or a drug reaction — which delays the window for IVIG. Parents should push for a paediatric opinion if a child's fever crosses 5 days, regardless of prior diagnosis.