Living With Kawasaki Disease
Most children who develop Kawasaki disease fully
recoverusually 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. |