Kawasaki disease causes inflammation (swelling) of the arteries (blood vessels). Most cases happen in kids under 5 years old. Kids with Kawasaki disease have a fever and other symptoms, such as a rash; eye redness; and redness and swelling of the mouth, hands, and feet. 

If the arteries that send blood to the heart get inflamed, it can cause an aneurysm (bulging of the wall in the arteries) or other heart problems.

Treatment helps the symptoms of Kawasaki disease get better and helps prevent other heart problems. Your child was treated in the hospital and can now be cared for at home.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• Giving your child any medicines. This probably will include giving aspirin every day.
• Getting the flu shot for your child and other household members. A child or teen who gets the flu while taking aspirin may be at higher risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness. 
• Avoiding people with chickenpox, especially if your child did not get the chickenpox shot. Your child may be at higher risk for Reye syndrome if they get chickenpox while taking aspirin.
• Any changes to your child's vaccine schedule.
• When your child can return to school, sports, and other activities.
• When to follow up. It's very important for your child to see the cardiologist again as instructed so they can continue to watch for any heart problems.

Home Care

• Your child may be cranky and tired for a few weeks. Be patient as they recover and let them rest as needed.
• To support your child's overall well-being, help them:
  • Eat a healthy diet with whole-grain breads and cereals; lean meats like chicken and other good sources of protein such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts; and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Get plenty of physical activity every day.
  • Get enough sleep.

Your child:

• gets a fever
• is taking aspirin and is around someone with the flu or chickenpox (even if your child had these vaccines)
• has new or worsening symptoms
• is still tired and cranky after a few weeks

Your child:

• has chest pain, is short of breath, or has trouble breathing
• has a swollen arm or leg
• looks pale, is dizzy, or faints
• has yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• has a stiff neck or severe headache, or is very drowsy

What causes Kawasaki disease? The exact cause isn't known, but it might be related to some types of infections. It doesn't spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease? Usually, the first sign is a fever. Other symptoms — such as eye redness; a pink rash; dry, cracked lips; a swollen tongue with red bumps; sore throat; swollen glands in the neck; and swollen palms and soles of the feet — also can happen. After about 2 weeks, the skin of the hands and feet might peel, and a child can have diarrhea, vomiting, belly pain, or joint pain.

What problems can happen from Kawasaki disease? With treatment, most kids who get Kawasaki disease don't have any lasting problems. Rarely, even with treatment, these problems can happen:

• aneurysms of the arteries that send blood to the heart (this can lead to blood clots)
• swelling of the heart muscle
• heart valve problems
• arrythmia (abnormal heartbeat)

How is Kawasaki disease treated? Treatment includes:

• intravenous (IV) immune globulin (IVIG), which contains proteins that lower inflammation in the body. It helps the fever and other symptoms of Kawasaki disease go away and lowers the risk of aneurysms and other heart problems.
• aspirin, and sometimes steroids, to ease inflammation. Aspirin will also help prevent blood clots.
• regular visits with the cardiologist to check for and treat any heart problems