Kawasaki Disease
Caregivers should remain vigilant and monitor the physical and mental health of the children. It is important to prioritize their overall health. If caregivers notice symptoms such as swelling and fever, they should immediately consult the best child specialist in Lahore for diagnosis and effective treatment options.
What is Kawasaki Disease?
The blood vessels; responsible for carrying the blood get inflamed in Kawasaki disease. The coronary arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart are more likely to get inflamed. Also, it causes swelling in the lymph nodes and mucous membranes. Children are more likely to suffer from this disease as compared to adults. However, if the affected child gets treatment in 10 days, there are more chances of complete recovery without complications.
What Are Visible Symptoms In The Children?
The signs and symptoms of Kawaski are as follows:
- The child suffers from a high fever for days with additional symptoms.
- The caregivers can notice rash all over the body
- The eyes become red
- The tongue swells, and the lips become dry.
- Hands and feet swell and become extremely red
- Skin starts to peel off from the toes and fingers
- The child suffers from extreme abdominal pain.
- The child feels nauseous
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
- The child might complain about joint pains
- The child gets irritable and anxious.
- There is visible swelling in the lymph nodes.
What Are The Identified Causes Of The Disease?
The cause of Kawasaki disease is not known. However, specialists and researchers assume it can be a result of an environmental trigger or provoked by bacterial infection.
Who Is At A Higher Risk Of Developing The Condition?
Children under the age of five are more likely to get diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Research has shown boys are at a higher risk as compared to girls. Also, children from Korea and Japan develop this condition at a higher rate.
What Tests Help In The Diagnosis Of Kawasaki Disease?
The tests that assist in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease are:
- Complete Physical Examination: The specialist will conduct a thorough physical exam to check the swelling, peeling of the skin, rash, and temperature. It will help evaluate the severity of the child’s condition.
- Blood Testing: Complete blood testing helps check the white blood cells. High levels of white blood relate to B-type Natriuretic Peptide, which helps to identify if there is any stress on the heart.
- Urine Test: Urine testing rules out other possibilities that may have resulted in the inflammation.
- ECG: Electrocardiogram helps monitor and record the electrical movement of the heart. It also helps to identify the oxygen supply to the heart by checking the heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram: The test helps create images with the help of sound waves, which aids in identifying any abnormality in the coronary arteries.
What Medications And Procedures Are Proven Beneficial For Treating Kawaski Disease?
- The medication proven effective for treating children with Kawaski disease includes anticoagulants; that help prevent blood clotting. Blood clots can cause severe and permanent damage to the heart.
- The surgical procedures that help treat Kawaski disease are:
- Coronary Angioplasty: It is a surgical procedure that helps open the arteries to promote blood flow.
- Stent Placement: It is a surgical procedure in which the stent is placed, to avoid further blockages and open the arteries for blood flow
The parents that notice symptoms in their child that correlate to the Kawasaki disease; should visit the best child specialist in Islamabad for proper guidance regarding diagnoses and treatment. The caregivers should always remain vigilant and consult a specialist as soon as they observe symptoms such as; swelling and fever to avoid further complications.