Symptoms of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a disease that primarily affects children, and its symptoms often confuse and worry parents. It is characterized by fever, but it is not the only manifestation. Knowing the symptoms of Kawasaki disease can help with early detection and treatment, thereby avoiding possible serious complications.

One of the most prominent symptoms of Kawasaki disease is a high fever that lasts for five days or more and is often resistant to conventional antipyretic medications. In addition to the fever, children may experience redness, swelling, and even peeling of the palms and soles of their feet. This peeling usually occurs during the recovery phase of the disease, especially at the ends of the fingers and toes.

Next, the child's eyes may develop symptoms of conjunctivitis, which is redness of the whites of the eyes, but usually without discharge. This condition is often mistaken for a common eye infection, but in Kawasaki disease, it is a key diagnostic clue. The child's lips, tongue, and oral mucosa may also become unusually red and swollen, and the tongue may even take on an appearance known as "strawberry tongue."

Kawasaki disease may also cause a rash that appears as irregular red patches on the body. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are also a common symptom, especially on one side. While these symptoms may occur in other diseases, their combination and presentation in Kawasaki disease are relatively unique.

It is crucial for parents to recognize the symptoms of Kawasaki disease, as prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac complications. If your child is found to have similar symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is a key step in protecting your child's health. Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, and may use medications such as immunoglobulin and aspirin for treatment. Knowing this information can not only help parents better cope with Kawasaki disease, but also play an active role in their children's health management.