Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that primarily affects children under five years old. It causes inflammation in the blood vessels and can impact various organs throughout the body. The symptoms of this condition progress through several stages. Learn more about these stages in the following article.

Stages of Kawasaki Disease Symptoms

Kawasaki disease progresses in three stages, each marked by distinct symptoms. These phases help doctors diagnose and begin treatment early to prevent serious complications.

Acute Phase

In this initial phase, the symptoms often resemble those of a viral infection. These include:

• High fever (> 39º Celsius) that persists for more than five days and does not respond to fever-reducing medications.
• A red rash that spreads across the body, including the genital region.
• Redness in the eyes without any discharge.
• A dry mouth with a red and swollen tongue.
• Swelling and redness in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
• The child appears irritable and lethargic.

Subacute Phase

Following the acute phase, the fever typically begins to subside. However, new symptoms may emerge, such as:

• Peeling skin on the hands and feet.
• Joint pain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck.
• An elevated platelet count in the blood.
• Pus in the urine.

This phase also carries an increased risk of heart complications, including the development of coronary artery aneurysms.

Convalescent Phase

In this phase, the symptoms gradually diminish, and the child’s condition improves. However, it is essential to continue monitoring for potential heart complications, so close medical supervision is still necessary.

What Should Parents Do?

Children with Kawasaki disease typically experience symptoms for 4-6 weeks, and may continue to feel fatigued and fussy for up to 8 weeks due to ongoing discomfort.

In some cases, Kawasaki disease may recur. Therefore, if you suspect your child has this condition, it is crucial to take the following steps immediately:

• Seek medical attention for your child without waiting for symptoms to improve.
• Record all symptoms your child has experienced and provide the doctor with detailed information.
• Be prepared for your child to undergo various tests and physical examinations to confirm the diagnosis.
• Prepare for treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which helps reduce inflammation and prevent blood vessel damage.

After treatment, it’s important to continue regular monitoring to ensure no complications arise, particularly related to heart health. Always consult your doctor throughout the treatment and monitoring process.

If you have concerns or questions about Kawasaki disease, consult a doctor or use the consultation feature available on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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