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Kawasaki disease
Does Kawasaki disease cause a runny nose?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, primarily presents with repeated high fevers that do not respond to antibiotics, conjunctival congestion, diffuse oral congestion, chapped and congested lips, polymorphic erythema and scarlatiniform rashes on the skin, and unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, but studies suggest that respiratory or gastrointestinal infections may be common prodromal symptoms, indicating that the onset might be related to infections, though no contagious phenomena have been identified to date. Kawasaki disease might show prodromal signs such as upper respiratory infections, characterized by symptoms like a runny nose and cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which suggests that a runny nose might be a manifestation of Kawasaki disease.
Is Kawasaki disease scary?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a common pediatric autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, and its etiology is also unknown, mainly focusing on immune reactions, genetic susceptibility, and theories of pathogenic microbial infections. Its primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis, most commonly affecting the coronary arteries. Most cases of Kawasaki disease have a good prognosis, with recurrences seen in 1% to 2% of patients. After effective treatment, complications involving coronary artery damage are less common. However, untreated patients develop coronary artery aneurysms in 15%-25% of cases. These aneurysms often resolve on their own within two years of the illness, but often leave behind complications such as thickened vessel walls and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms are less likely to resolve completely and often lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is also one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children. Thus, if Kawasaki disease is detected early, timely treatment is necessary to avoid cardiac sequelae. After effective treatment, the prognosis is generally good. However, if there are complications like coronary artery damage or other heart issues, it may affect the child's quality of life and even lifespan.
How long does Kawasaki disease require hospitalization?
Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis, primarily concerning because it affects the coronary arteries of the heart. Without effective treatment, some cases can lead to coronary artery dilation and even the formation of coronary artery aneurysms. Therefore, hospitalization is generally recommended during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. During hospitalization, treatment typically involves the use of intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the body temperature generally begins to decrease gradually. Once the body temperature has stabilized for about three days and there are no complications, the patient can usually be discharged, so most hospital stays last about 5-7 days. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)
Kawasaki Disease and Purpura Differences
The clinical manifestations of Kawasaki disease include fever lasting more than five days, ineffective antibiotic treatment, rashes, transient swelling of the cervical lymph nodes, conjunctival congestion, strawberry tongue, cracked lips, hard swelling of fingers and toes, and desquamation around the nails and anal region during the recovery phase. Allergic purpura is mainly manifested by rashes, which are generally hemorrhagic rashes below the buttocks, symmetrical on the lower limbs, raised above the skin surface, and usually without fever. Besides rashes, allergic purpura can also involve joint pain, abdominal pain, or allergic purpuric nephritis among other conditions.
Kawasaki disease causes
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an immune-mediated systemic vasculitis syndrome and a relatively common pediatric febrile rash disease. To date, the etiology of Kawasaki disease is not entirely clear. Extensive epidemiological and clinical observations suggest that Kawasaki disease may be an acute immune dysregulation caused by infectious factors. Genetic factors are also related to the occurrence of Kawasaki disease. Various bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, and their metabolic products, such as superantigens produced by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, are also related to the development of Kawasaki disease.
Can Kawasaki disease heal itself?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease with unclear etiology and unclear pathogenesis. It commonly affects infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years old, and the male to female incidence ratio being 1.5:1. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease, and most cases have a good prognosis. Recurrences are seen in 1%-2% of affected children. Children without coronary artery lesions also need a comprehensive physical examination, generally recommended at one month, three months, six months, and annually or biannually for up to two years, including physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. Without effective treatment, 15%-20% of affected children may develop coronary artery aneurysms, and they should be closely followed long-term, with follow-up every six to twelve months. Coronary artery aneurysms often resolve themselves within two years after the disease, but often leave behind abnormalities such as thickened vessel walls and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms often do not completely resolve and may lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is also a cause of acquired heart disease, so timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent cardiac issues. Once Kawasaki disease develops, it is advised to seek prompt hospital treatment to manage the condition effectively.
Is Kawasaki disease characterized by eye discharge?
Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis that can affect blood vessels throughout the body and various organs, but the most severe impact is typically on the coronary arteries, which can lead to dilation of the coronary arteries or the possibility of forming coronary artery aneurysms. The disease can cause conjunctival congestion, but this is a manifestation of aseptic conjunctivitis, meaning it does not cause, nor does it result in, purulent secretions, in other words, it does not cause eye discharge. Therefore, if a patient with Kawasaki disease has purulent eye discharge, it is possible that they have a concurrent bacterial conjunctivitis. Thus, generally, eyes affected by Kawasaki disease do not have eye discharge but may appear dry and red.
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it contagious?
Kawasaki disease is a common pediatric febrile rash disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It is a systemic vasculitis syndrome mediated by immune mechanisms. Kawasaki disease may be caused by acute immune dysregulation due to infectious factors, and genetic factors may be related to the acute onset of the disease. Therefore, Kawasaki disease is not contagious, and contact with children with Kawasaki disease will not lead to transmission. Kawasaki disease generally occurs in infants and young children, and there is no clear seasonal pattern to its occurrence, nor significant gender differences.
How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an acute febrile rash disease characterized primarily by inflammation of medium and small arteries throughout the body, with a self-limiting nature. Clinically, it mainly presents with fever, rash, mucosal lesions, conjunctival congestion, and non-suppurative enlargement of cervical lymph nodes. If untreated, 20% of cases can lead to coronary artery damage. To diagnose this disease, in addition to typical clinical manifestations, attention must also be paid to various tests such as blood tests, immunological tests, and ultrasound examinations for a comprehensive assessment. Although the clinical characteristics are largely indicative of the disease, ultrasound examination is crucial to check for any dilation of the coronary arteries.
Does Kawasaki disease affect lifespan?
Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. Its pathological changes primarily involve a systemic circulatory disease characterized by vasculitis. A severe complication can lead to cardiac lesions. Generally, Kawasaki disease is self-limiting and most cases have a good prognosis. However, if Kawasaki disease is not effectively treated and results in associated coronary artery aneurysms or large artery aneurysms, it could lead to acquired heart disease. Such cardiac issues could potentially affect cardiac function later on. This might impact lifespan, but if Kawasaki disease is treated aggressively and effectively, the prognosis is good and the impact on future health is minimal.