Kawasaki disease

Description

A condition that causes swelling and irritation of blood vessels, particularly in the heart.

Overview

Kawasaki disease causes some blood vessels to become irritated and swollen. This is called inflammation. The condition most often affects the blood vessels in the heart. It also affects the skin, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth. It's most common in infants and young children.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include high fever, rash, red eyes, cracked lips and a red tongue, a swollen lymph node in the neck, and swollen skin on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet.

Treatments

Treatment often is given in a hospital as soon as possible while there's still a fever. Medicines given can include a protein called gamma globulin and high doses of aspirin. Early treatment helps prevent damage to the heart arteries.