Craps disease is a misnomer. It's likely a typo or misunderstanding of the term Kawasaki disease, sometimes incorrectly referred to as "caca syndrome" or "crap syndrome". Kawasaki disease is a serious illness that primarily affects young children.
Here's a breakdown of Kawasaki disease:
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What it is: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an autoimmune illness characterized by systemic vasculitis, meaning inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, particularly medium-sized arteries.
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Who it affects: It mainly affects children under the age of 5.
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Key Features:
- High fever lasting for at least 5 days.
- Rash.
- Red, cracked lips and a red tongue (often called "strawberry tongue").
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Red and swollen hands and feet.
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without pus.
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Why it's serious: The most significant complication is heart damage, specifically coronary artery aneurysms (bulges in the walls of the coronary arteries). These aneurysms can lead to blood clots, heart attack, or sudden death.
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Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Treatment typically involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin.
It is important to emphasize that "craps disease" is not a recognized medical term, and someone using it likely is referring to Kawasaki disease or simply misspoke. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that might be Kawasaki disease, seek immediate medical attention.
