Kawasaki disease is a rare and serious condition impacting the blood vessels in children that produces some initially disquieting symptoms such as a rash, extremely red eyes with discharge, persistent fever lasting five or more days, swollen and cracked lips, and red and peeling skin. However, these symptoms will gradually subside as the disease goes from one phase to the next. Boys who are under the age of five and of Asian descent appear to be most susceptible to developing Kawasaki disease, but girls and those of other ethnicities can have it as well. Evaluation and treatment by a cardiologist with expertise in this area is absolutely necessary to avoid complications, including long-term injuries to the coronary arteries and heart. Therapies include gamma globulin infusion and high doses of aspirin, possibly followed by anticoagulant medication, coronary artery angioplasty and stent placement, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
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