Kawasaki syndrome, also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a potentially fatal inflammatory disorder which occurs mostly in infants and children, and affects several organ systems in the body including the skin, mucous membranes, circulatory system, heart and the immune system. Males are affected more than females, and this condition is more common in persons of Asian descent. This condition is believed to be an allergic reaction or an unusual response to certain types of infections. Common signs and symptoms include an abrupt onset; high fever; skin rash followed by peeling; redness and swelling of mucous membranes; a strawberry appearance of the tongue; lymph node enlargement; arthritis; pneumonia; diarrhea; meningitis; myocarditis, arrhythmias, and arteritis; and occasionally, gangrene.
The Ayurvedic treatment of Kawasaki syndrome is aimed at treating the symptoms and preventing or minimizing the complications. Medicines like Chandrakala-Ras, Kamdudha-Ras and Maha-Sudarshan-Churna are used to treat fever. Skin rash, redness, swelling and peeling of skin and mucous membranes can be treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Gandhak-Rasayan, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivadi-Churna, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Khadeer (Acacia catechu), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Karanj (Pongamia pinnata).
Local application on the skin is equally important in preventing the rash, redness, swelling and peeling. An ointment containing Mandukparni, Yashtimadhuk, Manjishtha, Saariva, Haridra and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) can be used for this purpose. Other medicines like Shatadhout-Ghrut, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut and Yashtimadhuk-Ghrut are also quite useful in this condition.
Lymph node enlargement can be treated using medicines like Punarnavadi-Guggulu and Kachnaar-Guggulu. Arthritis can be treated using Triphala-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu and Kaishor-Guggulu. Meningitis can be treated using medicines like Maha-Yograj-Guggulu, Saraswatarishta, Chandrakala-Ras and Punarnavadi-Qadha. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels can be treated using medicines like Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Arjunarishta, Dashmoolarishta and Drakshasav. Long term complications of this disease, like coronary thrombosis and aneurysm, can be prevented by using medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu, Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Lashuna (Allium sativum) Psyllium (Plantago ovata), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna).
While most patients with Kawasaki syndrome recover completely, complications account for death in about 1 to 2% of those affected, with 95% of fatalities occurring within 6 months of infection. Deaths are sudden and unpredictable. Intensive hospital care in the acute stages and regular, long term follow up by qualified and experienced physicians is therefore, very important. Ayurvedic medicines can be given as additional therapy to bring about a faster therapeutic response, speed up the recovery process and prevent death from complications.
