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Posts Tagged swollen lymph nodes
Kawasaki Disease – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Kawasaki Disease is an illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes. The disease usually begins with a fever unresponsive to tylenol or aspirin which continues for at least 7 – 10 days. Many but not all children develop a swollen area on the neck which 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 seen more often in the winter and spring seasons. Kawasaki disease, or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease of unknown etiology that most frequently (80% of the time) affects infants and children under five years of age. Some doctors think it may be caused by a virus or a bacteria. The illness can last from 2 weeks to a few months. Originally, KD was believed to be an acute, self-limiting febrile disease with an excellent prognosis; however, subsequent reports indicated that nearly 2% of patients with KD died from the illness, usually as a result of secondary cardiac sequelae. It was first noticed in Japanese children following World War II. No blood test for Kawasaki disease is available. The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
Kawasaki disease is a poorly understood illness. The male-to-female ratio among patients with Kawasaki disease is 1.5:1. Children of nearly all racial backgrounds are affected. Recurrences and cases in siblings are seen only occasionally. The most important part of Kawasaki disease is its tendency to cause inflammation of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Changes can be found on echocardiogram in about 15% of patients. The inflammation is uncomfortable, but resolves with time. However, the main threat from Kawasaki disease comes from 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 of the skin in the genital area, hands, and feet (especially around the nails and on the palms and soles) may occur in later phases. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that affects the small- and medium-sized blood vessels of the body, in particular, the coronary arteries. Early treatment is effective in preventing this, but first Kawasaki disease must be recognized.
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