Living with Chronic granulomatous disease
An immune system condition where the body has trouble fighting some bacteria and fungi, causing repeated infections and inflammation.
Understanding Chronic granulomatous disease
People may have repeated bacterial and fungal infections and areas of inflammation (granulomas) that can damage tissues. Features usually appear in childhood, though some people have no symptoms until later. People typically have at least one serious infection every 3 to 4 years. The lungs are the most common site, and pneumonia is common, including a fungal type called mulch pneumonitis.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Repeated bacterial and fungal infections
- Pneumonia
- Fever
- Enlarged liver
- Middle ear infections
- Poor absorption of food (malabsorption)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists, eye disease specialists, genetic specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with CGD Association of America and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says this is an inherited condition. It is listed as autosomal recessive or X-linked, and doesn't name a specific gene.
Also known as: bridges-good syndrome; cgd; cgd - chronic granulomatous disease; chronic septic granulomatosis; congenital dysphagocytosis; quie syndrome
Patient organizations
- CGD Association of AmericaChronic granulomatous disease · United States
- Jeffrey Modell FoundationChronic granulomatous disease · United States
- Immune Deficiency FoundationPrimary immunodeficiency · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chronic granulomatous disease.
Explore research for Chronic granulomatous disease
Explore actively recruiting Chronic granulomatous disease studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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