Kawasaki Disease Foundation FAQ’S
- My child or loved one has symptoms of Kawasaki disease, but their doctor has not diagnosed them yet. What should I do?
If your child is showing symptoms and their doctor is having trouble confirming a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, please have them contact the Kawasaki Disease specialist team at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. The specialists at the Kawasaki clinic can assist your child’s physician in determining whether this is indeed Kawasaki disease, based on other clinical features.
Please note that they only accept consultations from physicians, so it is important for your child’s doctor to reach out as soon as possible. A Kawasaki Team Physician is available 24 hours a day for physician-to-physician consultations regarding suspected acute cases. For consultations, please call the Rady Children’s Hospital operator at 858-966-1700 and ask for the Kawasaki Team Physician to be paged.
- I am seeking financial assistance to cover medical costs related to a KD diagnosis. Can the Foundation help?
We understand that navigating the challenges of Kawasaki disease can be overwhelming for families, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. While the Kawasaki Disease Foundation is unable to offer financial assistance, we are deeply committed to supporting families through our KDF Bridges program, which provides emotional support during these trying times. If you are in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to visit the KDF Bridges information page or simply click here. We are here for you.
- I have a question regarding my child’s medical care or history. Can the Foundation offer advice?
At the KD Foundation, we are dedicated to providing the support you need for your child’s journey. While we cannot offer medical advice as we are not a medical organization, our commitment to your child’s well-being is unwavering. We strongly encourage you to connect with your child’s physician and medical team about any health-related questions or concerns you may have.
To help you navigate this journey, we offer a wealth of information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the disease. Just click here to explore these valuable resources. Additionally, our “Ask the KD Experts” section connects you with medical professionals who address common questions from parents. Don’t hesitate to visit the “Ask the KD Experts” page by clicking here—your child’s health and peace of mind are our top priorities.
- Is there a link between carpet cleaning chemicals and Kawasaki disease?
There have been a few studies and articles over the years that discussed the potential link between carpet cleaning chemicals and Kawasaki disease (KD), but the findings have generally been inconclusive or debunked by further research. Here are a couple of notable studies on the subject:
1. **The Study by the Kempe Research Foundation** (1983):
This study, conducted by the Kempe Research Center in Aurora, Colorado, investigated the potential connection between carpet cleaning and Kawasaki disease. The researchers looked into whether chemicals used in carpet cleaning could be a trigger for the disease in children. However, their research did not find any significant correlation between recent carpet cleaning and the development of Kawasaki disease in children. This study is often cited to dismiss the theory of carpet cleaning chemicals being involved in KD.
2. **Case-Control Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** (1995):
The CDC conducted a study in the 1990s to explore potential environmental triggers for Kawasaki disease. While the study did find that KD was more common in certain geographic regions, it did not establish a link between carpet cleaning or related chemical exposure and the incidence of KD. The study emphasized the need for further research into environmental factors but did not support the carpet-cleaning theory.
3. **Study on Environmental Risk Factors** by the California Department of Public Health (2006):
This study aimed to identify environmental risk factors for Kawasaki disease but found no substantial evidence connecting environmental pollutants, including carpet cleaning chemicals, to an increased risk of KD. Although there were references to various chemicals, the study concluded that more research was necessary to understand any possible environmental links, but it did not confirm carpet cleaning chemicals as a risk factor for KD.
4. **A Review Article in the Journal of Pediatrics** (2007):
In a review published in the *Journal of Pediatrics*, researchers discussed various potential triggers of Kawasaki disease, including environmental factors like pollutants. However, the article did not find any consistent or strong evidence to support the idea that carpet cleaning chemicals cause Kawasaki disease. It pointed out that while some studies have suggested environmental exposures might be involved, no specific chemical exposure, including from carpet cleaning, had been proven to trigger KD.
**Conclusion:**
While there were concerns raised by some early studies in the 1980s and 1990s about a potential link between carpet cleaning chemicals and Kawasaki disease, subsequent research, including large-scale studies by organizations like the CDC, Kempe Research Foundation, and the California Department of Public Health, has not supported the hypothesis. The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, but it is most likely related to an abnormal immune response, potentially triggered by an infection.
- How can I become involved with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation?
Your support is vital to the success of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation. We operate solely on the generosity of donors and the commitment of volunteers like you. Every moment and effort you give makes a profound impact, and we are truly grateful for your involvement.
To take action and make a difference, please visit our “Take Action” page.
Together, we can create lasting change and support those affected by Kawasaki disease. Your involvement matters—join us in this important work!