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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