Kawasaki disease

Overview

Kawasaki disease mostly affects children under 5. It inflames blood vessels, including the heart's arteries.

Signs include 5+ days of fever, red eyes, rash, red cracked lips, a strawberry tongue, and swollen hands or feet.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Fever 5 days with red eyes and rash
• Fever lasting 5 days or more in a child
• Red, cracked lips or a strawberry tongue

Less common

• Swollen hands
• Red lips
• Peeling fingers later
• Swollen neck gland

Look up a symptom: Fever · Fever lasting 5 days or more in a child · Rash · Red eye or eye discharge · Red, cracked lips or a strawberry tongue

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Under 5
• Children under 5: Most common
• Children of Asian descent: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Heart attack: Rare, from artery bulges
• Aneurysm of an artery in the body (not the aorta): Bulges in the heart's arteries

Diagnosis

Hospital tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Echo:

Treatment

Get care.

Self-care

• Keep follow-up heart checks

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your child's pediatrician.
• They may send you to a pediatric specialist: a pediatric cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children of Asian descent: Higher risk.

For caregivers

• Learn the warning signs and when to call the doctor or 911.
• Keep a list of your child's medicines, doses, and doctors on your phone.
• Tell teachers, coaches, and sitters what to watch for and what to do.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment protects the heart.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Will my child need more echos?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Kawasaki disease