KAWASAKI DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
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Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood illness that primarily affects children under the age of five. It is characterized by inflammation of the medium-sized blood vessels in the body, particularly those found in the coronary arteries. This illness was first identified by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki in the 1960s in Japan, and it has since been recognized worldwide.
The exact cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, although it is believed to be related to an abnormal immune response triggered by various factors such as genetic predisposition, viral or bacterial infections, or environmental factors. The disease typically presents with a high fever lasting for at least five days, accompanied by other symptoms such as red eyes, a rash on the trunk or genital area, swollen lymph nodes, dry or cracked lips, strawberry tongue, and swollen hands and feet.
If left untreated, Kawasaki disease can lead to serious complications, especially affecting the heart. Inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to the formation of aneurysms, which can potentially result in a heart attack or other heart-related issues. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.
Regular follow-up and cardiac evaluations are necessary to monitor the health of the affected child. Most children recover fully from Kawasaki disease, although a small percentage may experience long-term heart complications. Early recognition and timely management are crucial in achieving the best possible outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease.
Common Misspellings for KAWASAKI DISEASE
- jawasaki disease
- mawasaki disease
- lawasaki disease
- oawasaki disease
- iawasaki disease
- kzwasaki disease
- kswasaki disease
- kwwasaki disease
- kqwasaki disease
- kaqasaki disease
- kaaasaki disease
- kasasaki disease
- kaeasaki disease
- ka3asaki disease
- ka2asaki disease
- kawzsaki disease
- kawssaki disease
- kawwsaki disease
- kawqsaki disease
Etymology of KAWASAKI DISEASE
The word "Kawasaki Disease" is named after Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese pediatrician who first described the illness in 1967. The disease was initially referred to as "mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome" due to its characteristic symptoms, but it became widely known as "Kawasaki Disease" in honor of Dr. Kawasaki's contributions to its understanding and diagnosis.
