Treatments For Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is an extremely rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. Kawasaki disease mostly affects children between six months and five years old. In very few cases, the condition happens to adults and teenagers. Though a reason for why Kawasaki disease occurs hasn't been specified, it is thought the illness could stimulate from genetic and environmental factors. Victims may develop redness on the tongue, lips, palms, soles, and in the eyes accompanied by swelling in these areas. Additionally, skin will peel on the hands and feet. Other symptoms include high fever, joint pain, sore throat, and swollen cervical lymph nodes. As the disease goes away on its own, there are several ways to treat it in the process.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
The active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid is derived from willow bark. As it is reported to have many health benefits, the use of willow bark for medical purposes goes back thousands of years. In fact, it's said to have similar functions to acetylsalicylic acid. Acetylsalicylic acid is associated with various medications made to treat pain, inflammation, fever, and blood coagulation. In addition, it may be useful for preventing certain chronic diseases and cancers.
Not all response to this medication has been positive. Acetylsalicylic acid is linked to multiple side effects such as abdominal pain, cramping, heartburn, hives, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and swelling in the facial area. Seek medical attention f you experience any of these side effects while taking acetylsalicylic acid. If you are taking other medications, you might want to notify a doctor before using acetylsalicylic acid. The combined use with another anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen, could lessen its effectiveness. Furthermore, using these two medications together may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Fever Reducers
Patients can ease symptoms of Kawasaki disease by using fever-reducing medication. One of the disease's most common symptoms is a high fever accompanied by temperatures as high as 101 degrees Fahrenheit. The fever usually goes on for five days, though it can last for several weeks if not treated.
Some sources state intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) with high doses of acetylsalicylic acid could be helpful for treating fever in most patients with Kawasaki disease. However, it's also been reported that taking acetylsalicylic acid in large amounts could contribute to the development of anemia. Researchers saw a fall in hemoglobin levels of children who received high doses. Hemoglobins are proteins that carry oxygen throughout the body. Plus, medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen that are frequently used for treating fever have proved ineffective.
You will need to figure out what dosages are safe for giving to your child. Typically, children are to take a low dosage for at least six to eight weeks after being diagnosed.
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Gamma Globulin Infusion
The gamma globulin infusion is used to treat certain diseases in individuals with weakened immune systems. High doses of gamma globulin may reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. Gamma globulins are defined as plasma proteins that act as antibodies, often called immunoglobulins. Kawasaki disease has been linked to the deficiency of T suppressor cells and increased activation of T helper cells. By using gamma globulin, patients may see a rise in the level of CD8 T suppressor cells and decline in activated CD4 T helper cells. In addition, studies have shown most children treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) see improvement in Kawasaki disease symptoms in thirty-six hours.
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Monitoring Heart Health
The heart is an important organ affected by Kawasaki disease. In cases of illnesses like Kawasaki disease, it's necessary for patients to keep track of the heart's functions. The doctor may request you to get several procedures done for monitoring your heart health. One of the procedures a doctor uses to check the heart is the stress test, which allows the doctor to see how well the heart handles pressure from exercise. During the test, you may exercise with a treadmill or bike.
Another test the doctor can give you is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which focuses on the electrical activity of the heart. The doctor places special tools called electrodes over the skin to pick up the heart's signals. In some cases, an echocardiogram will be performed. In an echocardiogram, sound waves (ultrasound) are recorded from the heart. The waves produce images of the organ's vessels, chambers, and valves. Looking at the images, the doctor can reveal details about your heart's shape, size, and the rate at which it pumps blood.
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Anticoagulants
Blood thinners are other medications that treat Kawasaki disease and are used to discourage the formation of blood clots. Examples of the medications are heparin, edoxaban, and warfarin. Besides Kawasaki disease, they have been used for treating various medical conditions such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis.
Though it mainly happens in children, Kawasaki disease can also affect adults. You should speak with the doctor about the blood thinners you or your child should take for the condition. You should also discuss any other medical conditions you are experiencing with your doctor. Usage of the medications has been shown to worsen the effects of pericardial effusion, which occurs when fluid builds up in the pericardium, organ surrounding the heart. It is not recommended for pregnant women to take the medication. If you have any allergic reactions to a medicine, discontinue use and get medical assistance as immediately as possible.