Warning Signs Of Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is a heart disease that involves the inflammation of arteries especially in kids five years old and younger. According to doctors, Kawasaki disease is not contagious, and treatment should begin as soon as the diagnosis is made to avoid any major damage. The disease occurs in three phases, each with different symptoms. In the first phase, the patient experiences a high fever, strawberry tongue, cracked dry lips, pink eye, swollen hands, feet, and lymph nodes as well as a body rash and irritability. The second phase is characterized by abdominal pain and joint pain. In the last phase, the symptoms tend to disappear slowly if major damage did not occur. Get to know the most common warning signs of Kawasaki disease now.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is the infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent inner surface of the eyelid. The major causes include viruses, bacteria, and pollen or animal allergies. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and makes them appear red or pink. The eyes might be painful and itchy and might lead the patient to scratch themselves. The infection might lead to more production of tears, or the infected eye can be difficult to open hence it can stay shut. The itching may be more elevated due to allergies. This symptom is contagious and thus can be easily passed from one person to another. Prevention can be dealt through hand washing, but appropriate treatment depends on the underlying issue.
Learn more about the warning signs of Kawasaki disease now.
High Fever
High body temperatures should be handled delicately in all persons regardless of age. The extreme temperatures might lead to febrile seizures if proper measures are not taken. A fever can be identified when there is an increased contraction of muscles and consequently causing a feeling of being cold, tricking the body to produce a lot of heat. Patients who have Kawasaki disease tend to have a high fever of approximately thirty-nine degrees Celsius and can last for around five days. The fever is usually non-responsive to medicines meant to reduce a patient's temperature. Fever occurs in the first phase of Kawasaki disease and is usually a great warning sign to those around the patient and even medical practitioners. Parents are strongly advised to take their children to the hospital the moment they discover the high temperatures.
Continue reading to learn the details about one of the hallmark symptoms of Kawasaki disease now.
Strawberry Tongue
The mouth is essential when it comes to speaking and even consuming food. It is no wonder any slight injury to the body part can bring about a lot of discomfort to the victim. Strawberry tongue is a swollen, red, and bumpy tongue and it is a symptom of many illnesses, though not a disease on its own.
When suffering from strawberry tongue due to Kawasaki disease, the lips become dry and cracked, and the mouth and throat will feel irritated, making patients restless. With a swollen tongue, it becomes difficult to chew food, and because of this, it is easier to bite the tongue. It is also good to have a look at the neck and identify any swelling to seek proper treatment.
Get to know the next warning sign of Kawasaki disease now.
Vomiting
The urge to throw up is powerful in the second phase of Kawasaki disease. The patient will not be able to hold down food because the stomach and its lining are not functioning well. Prolonged vomiting leads to dehydration and also an imbalance in the distribution of electrolytes in the body. Vomiting sometimes can be painful because the repeated contractions in the stomach can make the muscles sore. Throwing up can be experienced in two phases whereby the first phase manifests itself in the form of hiccups and contents are expelled. The second phase involves the expulsion of the stomach contents, and a patient might feel better afterward because of the pressure release from the stomach. Also, the patient might experience diarrhea because the stomach is in chaos and food is not able to go through the process of digestion until completion.
Continue reading for more symptoms of Kawasaki disease to watch out for.
Abdominal Pain
When a person gets stomach pain, the number one reaction might be to take a painkiller to ease the discomfort, but if it becomes persistent, a doctor should be consulted. Abdominal pain is usually experienced in the second phase of Kawasaki disease. Stomach aches can be brought about by different conditions, including food poisoning, appendicitis, and diverticulitis, among others. It can be acute pain or massive pain, and inflammation of internal organs and even bleeding can occur. The organs affected include the pancreas, liver, and even the kidneys. The abdominal walls might become painful due to infection or strain. Various symptoms might not be diagnosed immediately, but with keen observation of the internal organs, a doctor can identify the underlying condition. In severe cases, patients need to be hospitalized for proper observation.