Learn more about Kawasaki disease

Just a few weeks ago, my goddaughter was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD). Fortunately, her pediatrician had seen this before (albeit within the distant past) and diagnosed and treated her early on. Neither her mother (also a nurse) nor I had ever heard of this rare disease, yet after we broke the news to family and friends, several people had a Kawasaki story to inform.

Whether you will have young children, know someone with young children, or are a caregiver for young children, it is crucial to pay attention to this rare but serious disease. My goddaughter had most, if not all, of the classic signs and symptoms:

• persistent, high fever
• red eyes
• red lips
• red tongue with white coating
• red palms and soles of feet
• swollen lymph nodes
• joint swelling and pain
• swollen hands and feet
• skin rash (worse across the groin area).

KD causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and the major risk is the possible development of aneurysms within the coronary arteries. Fortunately, she received standard treatment with IVIG and high-dose aspirin and is doing well.

Want to learn more?
• Kawasaki Disease Foundation

• A brief film to lift awareness of Kawasaki Disease (Kawasaki Disease Foundation)

• American Heart Association: Kawasaki disease