What should be paid attention to in the diet for Kawasaki disease?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on June 26, 2025
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Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an autoimmune vasculitis. The main clinical manifestations include persistent fever for five days or more. Other symptoms include conjunctival congestion, dry and cracked lips, strawberry tongue, swollen cervical lymph nodes, and redness and swelling at the tips of fingers and toes. Due to recurrent fever, a light and easily digestible diet is recommended. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat vegetables and fruits, while avoiding spicy, stimulating, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should not be eaten with Kawasaki disease?

One of the main pathological changes in Kawasaki disease is systemic vasculitis. Clinically, common symptoms include fever, high fever, recurrent fever, conjunctival congestion, significant oral mucosal congestion, strawberry tongue, enlargement of neck lymph nodes, and peeling of the hands and feet. In cases of Kawasaki disease, oral mucosal congestion is a common complication, hence during the period of Kawasaki disease, it is advised not to consume irritating, spicy, or hot foods. These might exacerbate the child's discomfort, affect their nutrient absorption, and potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, during the illness, it is preferable to focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is the spirit of Kawasaki disease good?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear cause and is generally prevalent in infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years old. The mechanism of the disease is also not very clear. Its main pathological presentation is systemic vasculitis, often involving the coronary arteries. The primary clinical symptoms include high fever, which is unresponsive to antibiotic treatment, conjunctival congestion, diffuse oral congestion, strawberry tongue, indurative edema of the hands and feet, and palmoplantar erythema. Additionally, it may affect the heart, leading to conditions such as pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and arrhythmias. During the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, the high fever and diffuse oral mucosal congestion can affect the child's mental state. If the heart is involved, there may be abnormalities in heart rate and heart function, which can also lead to a poor mental state. Therefore, if Kawasaki disease is confirmed, it definitely requires active treatment.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How long does Kawasaki disease require hospitalization?

Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis, primarily concerning because it affects the coronary arteries of the heart. Without effective treatment, some cases can lead to coronary artery dilation and even the formation of coronary artery aneurysms. Therefore, hospitalization is generally recommended during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. During hospitalization, treatment typically involves the use of intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the body temperature generally begins to decrease gradually. Once the body temperature has stabilized for about three days and there are no complications, the patient can usually be discharged, so most hospital stays last about 5-7 days. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is Kawasaki disease serious?

Kawasaki disease is an etiologically unclear disease with a not well-understood pathogenesis. The principal pathological change involves inflammatory changes in the systemic blood vessels, which can affect the coronary arteries and lead to coronary artery aneurysms and dilation. Kawasaki disease is self-limiting, and most cases resolve well, with recurrences seen in 1-2% of cases. For patients without coronary artery lesions, comprehensive examinations are required 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, including physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms, mainly to assess the heart's condition. If not effectively treated, 15-20% may develop coronary artery aneurysms; such cases need semi-annual or annual medical check-ups. Coronary artery aneurysms often self-resolve within two years post-diagnosis, typically leaving functional abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and reduced elasticity. Major artery aneurysms often do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children; therefore, if Kawasaki disease is accompanied by severe coronary damage, it may heal well but could lead to heart disease. If it is not a severe case of Kawasaki disease, timely treatment can still result in a good recovery.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki Disease Aspirin Side Effects

Aspirin is necessary for Kawasaki disease. Considering the pros and cons, aspirin must be used in cases of Kawasaki disease, initially in high doses. However, aspirin indeed has side effects. Some say aspirin is contraindicated for children, as its consumption can lead to Reye's Syndrome. This syndrome involves widespread mitochondrial damage following the intake of salicylate drugs during viral infection recovery, posing risks to the liver and brain. Without timely treatment, it could likely lead to liver and kidney failure, brain damage, or even death. Thus, aside from specific diseases, the use of aspirin is strictly prohibited. These specific diseases include Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Therefore, the use of aspirin in Kawasaki disease is necessary, but it can indeed lead to some side effects.