What is Kawasaki Disease?

About Kawasaki Disease

• Kawasaki disease is a rare heart condition that causes a high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels.
• It usually affects children under the age of 5.
• It's one of the leading causes of heart disease in kids.
• The condition causes the immune system to attack blood vessels, which become inflamed and swollen.
• Kawasaki disease tends to affect the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart muscle. 
• It can also cause problems with lymph nodes, skin, and the lining of a child's mouth, nose, and throat.
• Clinical signs include fever, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat.
• The disease was first described in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967, and the first cases outside of Japan were reported in Hawaii in 1976.
• The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, although more cases happen in late winter and early spring. 

Q1: What are arteries?

Arteries, a critical part of your cardiovascular system, are blood vessels that distribute oxygen-rich blood to your entire body. These tube-like vessels and the muscles inside them ensure your organs and tissues have the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. A condition called atherosclerosis can slow down blood flow through your arteries.

Source: Two babies with kawasaki disease successfully treated at CMCH