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Living With Kawasaki Disease
Most children who have Kawasaki disease recover—usually within weeks of getting symptoms. Further problems are rare. Early treatment reduces 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 who are treated for Kawasaki disease fully recover from the acute phase. They don't need further treatment.Â
They should, however, follow a healthy diet and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Taking these steps can help lower their risk of future heart disease. (Following a healthy lifestyle is advised for all children, not just those who have Kawasaki 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 well.
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 specializes in treating children who have heart problems.
Support Groups
Joining a support group may help you adjust to caring for a child who has Kawasaki disease. You can see how other parents have coped with the disease. Ask your child's doctor about local support groups or check with an area medical center.
Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. To find clinical trials that are currently underway for Kawasaki Disease, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Visit Children and Clinical Studies to hear experts, parents, and children talk about their experiences with clinical research
The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.
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