Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: KAWASAKI DISEASE.
|
Condition – Kawasaki disease is a poorly understood disease of the immune system and white blood cells that can affect many organs including the skin, blood vessels and heart. It is predominantly found in young children, with 80% of patients younger than five years of age. It occurs most commonly in Japan, but its appearance in the US is increasing. The disease begins with a high and persistent fever followed by reddening of the eyes and skin, rashes and, if left untreated, can result in an increased risk of heart attack. It was named after the doctor who first described the condition, Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967 in Japan.
|
||||
|
Contagion – It does not seem to be contagious so you’re alright.
|
 |
|||
| Danger of death – Life-threatening complications and death are both very rare for Kawasaki disease. So there is minimum risk all round. | |
|||
|
Incurability? – Treatment usually comes in the form of intravenous immunoglobulin, Aspirin therapy or corticosteroids. Early treatment generally leads to a rapid recovery.
|
 |
|||
|
Likelihood of getting time off work – You will almost certainly get a few days off to start with, but as time goes on, you’ll be back to normal and back to the grindstone.
|
 |
|||
| Brag-ability – Most of your mates will think you’ve had a run in with a motorbike, so you may have to explain all the fuss. Other than that, nothing to write home about. On yer bike son! |
 |
|||
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------- | |||
 |
Overall ridiculousness – The name makes it sound a bit more interesting but nothing that dangerous in the big scheme of things. Did you know Kawasaki is Japanese for ‘river cape’? |
 |
||
More conditions to come soon:
Esotropia, Hot Tub Lung and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Liftarn/Wiki
Share this
