Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that causes severe fever and inflammation in young children. It primarily affects children under five years of age, and it is more common in boys than in girls. The condition was first diagnosed by a Japanese doctor, Tomisaku Kawasaki, in 1967. Kawasaki disease is also sometimes known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
Kawasaki disease can cause a variety of virus-like symptoms, which can sometimes make it difficult for the condition to be diagnosed. There is no single test or procedure that can confirm the condition. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown.
Although Kawasaki disease cannot be prevented, with prompt and effective treatment, most children will make a full recovery. Some children go on to develop complications, which usually affect the heart. It is these complications that can make Kawasaki a potentially serious condition. Although rare, some children do develop permanent heart problems and, in severe cases, Kawasaki disease can prove fatal. However, most children will have no lasting damage to their heart.
Disease
A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions.
Fever
A fever is when you have a high body temperature (over 38C or 100.4F).
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury. It causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Lymph node
Lymph nodes are small oval tissues that remove unwanted bacteria and particles from the body. They are part of the immune system.
Heart
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body.
