Comedian Munawar Farooqui recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle involving his son, Mikel, during an emotional conversation on Janice Sequeira’s podcast.
He shared how Mikael was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare inflammatory disease that affects blood vessels, when he was one and a half years old. The diagnosis was made at a time when Munwar was financially stressed, with each life-saving injection costing Rs 25,000.
Recalling that difficult time, Munwar said, “That situation scares me. At that time, my son was one and a half years old. He fell ill, and for 2-3 days, his condition did not improve. After being taken to the hospital, we found out that he had Kawasaki disease. Three injections were required, each costing Rs 25,000. I wanted Rs 75,000 but I had only Rs 700-800 in my wallet.
What is Kawasaki disease?
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that was first identified by Japanese pediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki. It mainly affects children under the age of five, although it can occur up to the age of 15. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is suspected to be triggered by a certain viral infection.
According to Dr Arvind Kumar, Director of Pediatrics at Fortis, Shalimar Bagh, the symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:
- A high-grade fever lasts more than five days.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- A “strawberry tongue” with a cleft lip and a red, uneven surface.
- Joint pain and swelling.
If left untreated, the disease can affect the coronary arteries, potentially leading to long-term heart complications.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases with symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease were reported among children in India, with hospitals in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi reporting cases. “In my experience, on average, about two to three children are diagnosed with this disease in six months,” Dr. Kumar said in the conversation who indianexpress.com, When explaining the disease in time.
He emphasized that early detection and treatment are important to avoid serious complications. Kawasaki disease is now usually diagnosed within three to four days of the onset of symptoms, reducing the risk of long-term damage. Treatment often includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and aspirin to control inflammation and prevent blood clots.
For parents and caregivers, recognizing symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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