Which symptom is commonly associated with Kawasaki disease?

Which symptom is commonly associated with Kawasaki disease?

• A. Conjunctivitis
• B. Productive cough
• C. Night sweats
• D. Abdominal cramping only

Answer: (A)

Kawasaki disease commonly involves mucocutaneous inflammation, especially in the eyes. Bilateral nonpurulent conjunctival injection—red eyes without discharge—is one of the most characteristic early signs. This conjunctival involvement appears alongside fever and other mucous membrane changes, reflecting the widespread inflammation of the small vessels in this condition. So red, noninfectious-looking eyes in a child with fever are a classic clue for Kawasaki disease. Other options don’t fit as well: a productive cough points to a respiratory infection with sputum, which isn’t a hallmark of Kawasaki. Night sweats are nonspecific and not a defining feature of Kawasaki. Abdominal cramping alone isn’t characteristic of Kawasaki disease, which centers on fever plus mucocutaneous and lymphatic signs.

Kawasaki disease commonly involves mucocutaneous inflammation, especially in the eyes. Bilateral nonpurulent conjunctival injection—red eyes without discharge—is one of the most characteristic early signs. This conjunctival involvement appears alongside fever and other mucous membrane changes, reflecting the widespread inflammation of the small vessels in this condition. So red, noninfectious-looking eyes in a child with fever are a classic clue for Kawasaki disease.

Other options don’t fit as well: a productive cough points to a respiratory infection with sputum, which isn’t a hallmark of Kawasaki. Night sweats are nonspecific and not a defining feature of Kawasaki. Abdominal cramping alone isn’t characteristic of Kawasaki disease, which centers on fever plus mucocutaneous and lymphatic signs.