Cleveland Clinic doctor with a pediatric patient

Kawasaki Disease

A fever that won’t go away. Red eyes and tongue. Cracked lips. A rash. Something isn’t right.

It could be some sort of virus. Or it could be Kawasaki disease. This serious condition usually affects kids under 5. It inflames their blood vessels and can damage their coronary arteries (the blood vessels that send blood and oxygen to their heart).

Scary? Yes. But there’s good news. Kawasaki disease is treatable when it’s caught early. And at Cleveland Clinic Children’s we’re here to give your child compassionate care and expert treatment right away.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Children’s for Kawasaki Disease Care?

Collaborative care:

Kawasaki disease can affect the heart and other organs. That’s why we bring together Cleveland Clinic Children’s experts in different specialties to care for your child. This includes pediatric specialists in cardiology, emergency care and infectious disease.

Trusted experts:

Although Kawasaki disease is uncommon, we know what it takes to diagnose and treat it. Our pediatric specialists have cared for hundreds of children with this condition using the most effective methods available. Meet our team.

Caring approach:

Feeling sick, having lots of tests and staying in the hospital can be overwhelming for kids. That’s why our team also cares for your child’s emotional health while helping them get better physically. From our compassionate Child Life specialists to friendly therapy dogs, we’ll help your child feel as relaxed as possible.

Personalized care:

No case of Kawasaki disease is the same. Neither are any two children. That’s why we take the time to listen to you and them throughout their treatment journey. We make sure their care matches their needs and diagnosis.

National recognition:

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Cleveland Clinic Children’s a top hospital in the nation. Newsweek has also named Cleveland Clinic a top hospital in the world.

Virtual visits:

When your child isn’t feeling well, the last thing they probably want to do is leave their bed. That’s why we also offer virtual visits for some appointments. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer, and you can meet with your child’s provider from the comfort of home.

Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic Children’s

No single test can diagnose Kawasaki disease. Instead, our healthcare providers will check out your child’s symptoms and do a physical exam at their first visit. And they’ll run tests to rule out other illnesses, like infections.

Blood and urine tests: Your provider will take a small sample of your child’s blood or urine (pee) to look for signs of inflammation and infection. These tests can give important clues about whether your child could have Kawasaki disease or another illness.
Echocardiogram (Echo): This non-invasive test uses ultrasound images to show us how your child’s heart is working. An echocardiogram can show heart changes caused by Kawasaki disease.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): Kawasaki disease can cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) in children. A non-invasive test called an electrocardiogram can find these changes. This test uses a special machine and electrodes (stickers) on your child’s chest to measure the electrical activity in their heart.

Providers Who Treat Kawasaki Disease

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Kawasaki Disease Treatment at Cleveland Clinic Children’s

The sooner your child gets treatment for Kawasaki disease, the better their chances for a full recovery. At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, our specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and caring for children with Kawasaki disease. Our expertise means you’ll get answers sooner. And your child will get treatment right away.

Children with Kawasaki disease usually stay in the hospital for several days. Your child’s treatment plan may include:

Immunoglobulins (IVIG): Also called intravenous gamma globulin, this is the first-line treatment for Kawasaki disease. IVIGs are human blood proteins that your provider gives through an intravenous (IV) line in your child’s vein. These special proteins prevent heart damage from Kawasaki disease and help most children feel better within a few days.
Aspirin: This medication can help calm the inflammation, fever, rash and pain from Kawasaki disease. It’s an effective treatment when a healthcare provider is keeping a close eye on your child. Don’t give your child aspirin without talking with your child’s provider first. It can cause a rare but serious condition in children called Reye’s syndrome. Monitoring by your provider is essential.
Corticosteroids: If your child needs further treatment, we may recommend corticosteroids. These medications fight inflammation from Kawasaki disease.
Intravenous fluids: Your child may need IV fluids to provide extra hydration as they recover.

Taking the Next Step

When your child is sick, nothing is right with their world — or yours. And when they have a serious condition, like Kawasaki’s disease, you’ll want to get them treated right away. Cleveland Clinic Children’s healthcare providers can quickly craft a treatment plan and get your child on the road to recovery — physically and emotionally. And we’re ready to support you throughout their treatment journey, too.