In people with chronic granulomatous disease, the immune system does not work properly, which leaves the body vulnerable to certain types of bacteria and fungi. The features of the condition usually develop in infancy or early childhood; however, milder forms may be diagnosed in the teen years or even in adulthood. The signs and symptoms vary but may include:
- Frequent bacterial and fungal infections
- Granulomas (areas of inflamed tissue), most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract and/or the genitourinary system
- Abscesses that involve the lungs, liver, spleen, bones, or skin
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Persistent diarrhea