Munawar Faruqi Reveals Son Suffered From "Kawasaki Disease", Know All About This Rare Heart Condition

We have heard anecdotal accounts from the Bigg Boss 17 winner, time and again. Munawar Faruqi’s poignant revelations have given us a glimpse into his life, and are telling of the fact that he had to undergo innumerable struggles before he rose to fame. Recalling an unforgivable time in life, the Lock-Upp winner revealed, “My son was one and a half years old back then. He fell ill, and for 2-3 days, his condition didn’t improve. After taking him to the hospital, we discovered he had Kawasaki disease.” Subsequently opening up, Faruqi admitted, “Three injections were required, each costing Rs 25,000. I needed Rs 75,000 but had only Rs 700-800 in my wallet.” 

We have witnessed Faruqi’s go-getter attitude in every phase of his life, showing a similar feat of resilience coping with these struggles he shared in the podcast, “I smiled casually at the doctor, assuring him I’d arrange the money. But as I stepped out, I froze for 30-40 minutes, unable to think. It was the heaviest moment of my life. I travelled to Mumbai Central, collected the money, and returned within three hours. While I was relieved, I couldn’t smile because it wasn’t my money," he said and then revealed, “After that day, I made sure I’d never be insufficient financially again.”

Related: Rare Disease: 7 Rare Diseases That Are Prevalent In India

What Is Kawasaki Disease?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Kawasaki Disease (KD), also known as Kawasaki Syndrome, is a condition that causes inflammation of the heart and blood vessels. It mainly affects children under 5 years old, and boys are more susceptible than girls. The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease is still unknown.

KD is the most common vasculitic disorder in children, with incidence rates ranging from 60 to 150 per 100,000 children under 5 in several countries. According to research, In India and other developing nations, many cases go undiagnosed due to limited awareness among pediatricians.

Symptoms Of Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki Disease is typically diagnosed when a child has a fever of at least 100.4°F lasting five days or more. Along with the fever, the child may exhibit at least four out of these five symptoms:

• Rash on the torso and limbs.
• Red and swollen palms and soles, with skin peeling from the fingertips and toes in later weeks.
• Bloodshot eyes that may be sensitive to light.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, often on one side, larger than 1.5 cm. The neck may also feel stiff.
• Inflamed mouth, lips, and throat, including a “strawberry tongue” (a red, bumpy tongue with enlarged taste buds).

Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain and swelling in the knees, hips, and ankles (affecting about one-third of patients)

If a child has a fever and some of these symptoms, but not all, they may have Incomplete Kawasaki Disease (IKD).

What Are The Causes Of Kawasaki Disease?

The exact cause of KD is unknown. But we do know that it is:

• Not contagious (it doesn’t spread between people)
• Not hereditary (it doesn’t run in families)

In rare cases, more than one child in a family may develop it, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent Kawasaki Disease, and it is not caused by parental actions, which is an essential fact that parents must know, instead of drowning in guilt.

Treatment For Kawasaki Disease

Prompt treatment in a hospital is essential to prevent heart complications. Treatment usually includes:

• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): A mixture of antibodies delivered through the veins.
• Aspirin: Helps reduce inflammation and fever.

In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary. With early and proper care, most children recover fully.

Related: 6 Expert Approved Tips To Keep Indoor Air Pollution-Free For Newborns And Toddlers

A Poignant Account Of Resilience

Munawar Faruqi’s story is one of unimaginable hardship and unyielding determination. Faced with his son’s critical illness and the crushing weight of financial insufficiency, he stood at a crossroads of despair and resilience. In that moment of helplessness, he found an unshakable drive to ensure his child would never go without, and that he himself would never face such insufficiency again.

It’s a stark reminder of the sacrifices, silent tears, and unwavering resilience that our parents undertake, unconditionally.