​Kawasaki Disease is a rare but serious condition that affects children, causing inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Understanding its symptoms early can save your child’s heart — and potentially their life.

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What is Kawasaki Disease?

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Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an inflammatory illness primarily affecting young children. It leads to swelling and irritation in blood vessels, which, if untreated, can cause lasting damage to the heart and arteries. Since there is no specific laboratory test for Kawasaki Disease, doctors rely on observing a pattern of symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Early recognition and treatment within the first 10 days of illness are CRUCIAL for preventing long-term complications such as coronary artery aneurysms and heart disease.

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Trust Your Parental Instincts: When to Seek Medical Help

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If your child has a fever lasting more than five days, along with any of the following symptoms, please seek immediate medical advice. Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice something is wrong — trusting that instinct can make all the difference.

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) if Kawasaki Disease is suspected. This imaging test helps detect inflammation and assess your child’s heart health.

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Classic Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease

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Each child’s experience with Kawasaki Disease can vary, but the hallmark signs to watch for include:

1. Prolonged High Fever

• A fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher lasting more than five days.

• This fever may sometimes be the only obvious symptom in early stages.

2. Red, Bloodshot Eyes (Conjunctivitis)

• Both eyes appear very red without a thick or sticky discharge.

3. Rash

• A widespread rash mainly on the trunk and genital area.

• Can vary in appearance but is persistent.

4. Changes in the Mouth and Tongue

• Bright red, dry, cracked lips.

• A “strawberry tongue”—red and swollen with a bumpy texture.

5. Swelling and Redness on Hands and Feet

• Palms of hands and soles of feet become red, swollen, and sometimes painful.

6. Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Enlarged lymph nodes, especially on one side of the neck.

7. Other Signs

• Extreme irritability or fussiness.

• Decreased appetite or feeding difficulties.

** Not every child will show all the classic symptoms—Kawasaki disease can be

diagnosed even if only some are present.​

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Secondary Symptoms:

What to Expect in the Later Phase

Between days 10 and 14, some children may develop additional symptoms including:

• Peeling skin, particularly on the fingertips and toes (sometimes in large sheets).

• Joint pain and swelling.

• Digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Without timely intervention, Kawasaki Disease can cause serious heart complications that last a lifetime. Treatments, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, are most effective when started early.

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If you notice any combination of these symptoms lasting for several days, don’t wait. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term heart damage.