Living With Kawasaki Disease

Most children who develop Kawasaki disease fully recover—usually within weeks of getting symptoms. Further problems are rare.

However, early treatment is important to reduce the risk of serious problems.

Researchers continue to look for the cause of Kawasaki disease and better ways to diagnose and treat it. They also hope to learn more about long-term health risks, if any, for people who have had the disease.

What To Expect After Treatment

Most children treated for Kawasaki disease fully recover from the acute phase. They don't need further treatment. They should, however, follow a healthy diet and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk for future heart disease (this is advised for all children, not just those who have the disease).

Children treated with immune globulin should wait 11 months before having measles and chicken pox vaccines. Immune globulin can prevent these vaccines from working properly.

Ongoing Health Care Needs

If Kawasaki disease has affected your child's coronary arteries, he or she will need ongoing care and treatment. It's best if a pediatric cardiologist provides this care to reduce the risk of severe heart problems. A pediatric cardiologist is a doctor who treats children who have heart problems.

Support Group

For more information on Kawasaki disease, go to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Web site. This site provides information about Kawasaki disease, access to volunteers who help families cope with Kawasaki disease, and a link to an online support group for parents and others caring for children with the disease.