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Health library/Chronic granulomatous disease

Rare immune disorders / RARE CONDITION

Chronic granulomatous disease

Also known as: Autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease, CGD, Granulomatous disease, chronic, X-linked chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease reduces immune cells' ability to control certain bacteria and fungi. Recurrent infection and persistent inflammatory tissue changes can both occur.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Repeated serious infections
  • Abscesses
  • Inflammatory swellings
  • Poor growth in some children

Understanding care

Clinical care may include immunology assessment, infection prevention planning and monitoring of inflammation. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Contact the treating team promptly for fever or suspected infection in known immune deficiency. Severe breathing difficulty, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening illness requires emergency care.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Chronic granulomatous disease — First AID health library