Kawasaki disease is a disease that affects the skin, the mouth and lymph nodes. The illness usually begins with a fever unresponsive to tylenol or aspirin that continues for at least 7-10 days. Many but not all children develop an area of swelling in the neck that looks like an infection. Some researchers believe it is an infection, others an autoimmune disorder stimulated by an infection or exposure to an environmental toxin.

The disease is most often in the winter and spring. Kawasaki disease or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease of unknown etiology that most often (80% time) affects infants and children under five years of age. Some doctors think it may be caused by a virus or bacteria. The illness can last from 2 weeks a few months. Originally, KD was believed to be an acute, self-limited febrile with an excellent prognosis, however, reports indicate that nearly 2% of EK patients died of the disease, usually as a result of secondary cardiac sequelae. It was first noticed in Japanese children following World War II. There is no blood test for Kawasaki disease is available. The diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Kawasaki disease is a rare disease known. The male: female ratio among patients with Kawasaki disease is 1.5:1. The children of almost all races are affected. Recurrences and cases in siblings only are seen occasionally. The most important part of Kawasaki disease is its tendency to cause inflammation of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Changes can be found on the echocardiogram in 15% of patients.

The inflammation is uncomfortable, but resolves with time. However, the main threat Kawasaki disease is due to its effect on the heart and blood vessels. Affected children develop red eyes, red mucous membranes in the mouth, red cracked lips, a "strawberry tongue and swollen lymph nodes. Skin rashes occur early in the disease and peeling skin in the genital area, hands and feet (especially around the nails and the palms and soles) may occur at later stages. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting small and medium-sized blood vessels of the body, including the coronary arteries. Early treatment is effective in preventing this, but Kawasaki's disease first must be recognized.

The cause of Kawasaki disease

Common causes and risk factor of Kawasaki disease are:

The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown.

Immune system abnormality.

Some doctors believe it may be caused by a virus or bacteria. The disease can last from 2 weeks to several months.

Other researchers believe that KD is caused by a single bacterial toxin.

Several agencies have been investigated as potential agents in the etiology, namely: bacteria associated with mites, diseases transmitted by ticks, Rickettsia species, Propionibacterium acnes, and viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus.

Additional risk factors in the United States include race Asian and male.

A small potential linkage with carpet shampoo or live near a body of standing water, but none of these theories has been established yet.

The symptoms of Kawasaki disease

Some sign and symptoms related to Kawasaki disease are:

Fever.

Swollen hands and feet.

Diarrhea.

Vomiting.

Eye irritation (conjunctivitis) without pus.

Irritability.

Abdominal pain.

Palms and soles of the feet are red, the skin begins to take off fingers and toes around 2 weeks after the onset of the disease.

A swollen lymph node ("gland") in the neck area.

A rash red.

Red eyes without pus-like discharge.

The treatment of Kawasaki disease

Here is the list of methods for the treatment of Kawasaki disease:

Kawasaki disease is treated with drugs. The long-term care may be needed and could include medication continuous, limited physical activity, and repeat the test.

intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease and is administered in high doses with marked improvement is usually noted within 24 hours.

The child can also get a high dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart problems.

Corticosteroids have also been used with some success, especially when other treatments fail or symptoms recur, but are not generally considered first-line therapy.

Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) have been reported as effective in patients who were not responding to aspirin and gamma globulin.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for diseases cure and health care information. She also writes articles on healing remedies.

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