Kawasaki Disease in Children: Care Instructions

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Overview

Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that usually affects children younger than 5 years. It causes fever; red eyes; skin rash; red, swollen tongue; and dry, cracked lips. Sometimes skin peels off the hands and feet in big pieces. The child can have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint and belly pain.

Doctors do not know what causes Kawasaki disease. It is not passed from one person to another.

Kawasaki disease is usually treated with medicine given through a needle into a vein. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Your child may also take aspirin for a few weeks to reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots. This is one of the very few times a doctor would consider giving aspirin to your child.

Early treatment can shorten the illness and help prevent blood vessel and heart damage. Most children recover fully and can return to their normal life in a couple of months. But Kawasaki disease that is not treated can cause serious heart damage and death.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
  • Have your child rest when your child feels tired.
  • If aspirin causes an upset stomach, give it with crackers, bread, or another bland food.
  • Keep your child from rough play, especially if your child is taking aspirin. The aspirin can cause the skin to bruise easily.
  • Keep your child away from anyone who has influenza or chickenpox. These diseases increase the risk of Reye syndrome.
  • Use an unscented skin lotion to help keep skin moist. Your child's skin may be dry for a month or so.
  • Call your doctor if your child has a fever.
  • Go to all doctor visits so that the doctor can check your child for problems. This is important to prevent heart problems.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • Your child has chest pain or problems breathing.
  • Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child is exposed to a person with chickenpox, shingles, or influenza. Call your doctor right away. Your child is at greater risk of Reye syndrome when exposed to these conditions, so your child's doctor may need to change the medicines your child takes.
  • Your child has a fever.
  • Your child has severe belly pain or blood in the stool. This can be a sign of bleeding inside the body.
  • Your child has ringing in the ears, a headache, dizziness, or confusion. These may be caused by aspirin toxicity.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child does not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter N426 in the search box to learn more about "Kawasaki Disease in Children: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.