Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a genetic condition that affects the immune system. It’s in the family of primary immuno-deficiencies, and makes it hard for the body to fight infections caused by fungi and bacteria.
Treatments are still improving, but what can complicate matters is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) simply because the medicines used to treat CGD are often contraindicated for IBD.
For this reason, a person who has both CGD and IBD requires a specialized medical team so the whole person is treated.
CGD is usually treated with antibiotics to fight off bacteria, and anti-fungal medications to offset the sensitivity to fungi. Both classes of medication can irritate even the healthiest bowels, so throw in IBD and the treatment game changes.
It’s of utmost importance to have a healthcare team in place to specifically tailor the treatment protocol directly to the patient.
Nutrition is another component of managing both conditions.
Foods that are less likely to irritate the colon are preferred, and patients may opt to work with a dietitian.
Recognizing the signs of infection can lead to earlier treatment and tends to help patients avoid hospitalizations. But what are the symptoms to watch out for? Here are just a few:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Watery eyes
- Bleeding gums
- Itching
- Fatigue
If you, or your child with CGD, experience any symptoms of infection, consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If you would like more information about this rare genetic disorder, visit the National Institutes of Health’s CGD page.
