A Brief Introduction

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is actually a group of rare, inherited disorders of the immune system. These disorders leave patients vulnerable to severe recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and chronic inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis (swollen inflamed gums), enlarged lymph glands, colitis, or tumor-like masses called granulomas. While not malignant, granulomas can cause serious problems by obstructing passage of food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines as well as blocking urine flow from the kidneys and bladder.

When chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) was first recognized, most of the children who had inherited the illness died before they reached their tenth birthday. Thanks to advances made in diagnosis and treatment, most people with CGD can now expect to live into adulthood. Some of the first patients diagnosed with CGD have completed their schooling, hold jobs, are raising families, and are carrying on relatively normal lives.

[ This guide is a work in progress. Members of this site are always working to improve it. ]