Kawasaki Disease

We LOVE our cookies and we LOVE giving back! We are a proud awareness while supporting kids and their families after a Kawasaki Disease diagnosis.

The KKF makes backpacks filled with toys and other activities for kiddos to play with while they are at hospitals receiving treatment for Kawasaki Disease (IVIG).

Love&Cookies is proud to have contributed to the cause! We've placed gift cards in every backpack for each family to receive a dozen of our gourmet cookies, at no cost, and of course, with free shipping! We can’t wait to send Love&Cookies to these brave children and their families working to over come a Kawasaki Disease diagnosis. 

What is Kawasaki Disease?

Kawasaki Disease is a serious illness characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body that primarily affects young children and infants. Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Although about 80 percent of patients are under five years of age, older children and teenagers can also get Kawasaki Disease, but this is uncommon. It is more common in boys than girls, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in the winter and early spring. It is not contagious.

Although it is more prevalent in children of Asian and Pacific Island descent, Kawasaki Disease affects children of all racial and ethnic groups. It is estimated that more than 4,200 children are diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease in the United States each year.

Without treatment, about 25% of children develop heart disease

Timely diagnosis and treatment (which usually includes intravenous gamma globulin) is highly effective in preventing coronary complications. Doctors continue to study the long-term outcome of children who do not appear to have coronary involvement. Other kinds of longer-term consequences (e.g., non-coronary) are extremely rare. There is no evidence that links Kawasaki Disease with autism or a seizure disorder. A very small number of Kawasaki Disease children might have a seizure in the early acute stage of Kawasaki Disease when there are very high fevers, but there is no on-going or long-term seizure prone condition.

Kawasaki Disease Symptoms

There are classic symptoms of Kawasaki Disease, the problem, though, is every case is different. This rare disease is characterized by an inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body. There is no specific test for Kawasaki Disease; doctors make a clinical diagnosis based on a collection of symptoms.

The one thing to remember is to trust your instinct. If you believe your child has Kawasaki Disease, ask the doctor for an echo-cardiogram to distinguish if inflammation is present.

Diagnosing Kawasaki Disease within the first 10 days is CRUCIAL to prevent long-term damage, including heart disease.

Initial Symptoms:

One or more of these symptoms may be present. Remember every case is unique. Be sure to track symptoms and the number of days from the start of symptoms so you have a record to share with your doctor.

  • Fever of 102 F+ (39 C+) and lasts more than five days. Be aware that this may be the only symptom!
  • Extremely red eyes (conjunctivitis) without a thick discharge
  • A rash on the main part of the body and genital area
  • Red, dry, cracked lips and an extremely red, swollen tongue (often called strawberry tongue)
  • Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of feet
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Irritability
  • Decreased appetite

Secondary Symptoms:

In the second phase of Kawasaki Disease, your child may develop:

  • Peeling skin on the hands and feet, especially the tips of fingers and toes and often in large sheets
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

Kawasaki Disease Complications

Kawasaki Disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. With effective treatment, only a small percentage of children have lasting damage.

Heart Complications Include:

  • Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), usually the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart
  • Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
  • Heart valve problems (mitral regurgitation)
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (dysrhythmia)

Any of these complications can damage your child’s heart. Inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to weakening and bulging of the artery wall (aneurysm). Aneurysms increase the risk of blood clots forming and blocking the artery, which could lead to a heart attack or cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

Some children may develop coronary artery problems, which can be fatal, even with treatment.

Diagnosing and treating Kawasaki Disease within the first 10 days is CRUCIAL to prevent long-term damage

If your child has a fever that lasts more than four days, contact your child’s doctor

To learn more or to give please visit: www.Kawasakikidsfoundation.org.