Many patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) experience fatigue and chronic joint pain. They may feel tired and rundown every day, which can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks. If you have CAD, it can be difficult to explain the situation to friends and family, who may…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s own red blood cells. In cold temperatures, these antibodies bind tightly to these cells, causing them to clump together. Secondary CAD — where the increase in cold agglutinin antibodies…
After being diagnosed with a chronic disease such as cold agglutinin disease (CAD), patients can often face some serious complications, including jaundice. What is jaundice? Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow as a result of bilirubin buildup…
Living with a rare disease like cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be challenging and stressful. It may feel as if control of your life has been taken away. In addition to the symptoms of CAD, stress can affect your health, causing headaches, insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, and…
People with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can feel a loss of control over their lives after being diagnosed with this chronic disease that targets the immune system. Dealing with new physical challenges brought about by chronic pain, and fatigue can make it hard for patients to stay motivated.
Learning that you have a rare disorder like cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be frightening. Among the first questions many people have is: How will my lifespan be affected? Unfortunately, the answer often isn’t clear-cut. What is life expectancy? Life expectancy is an estimate of how long people…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells at cold temperatures, causing them to aggregate. Most patients with CAD learn to avoid cold foods or beverages long before they receive a diagnosis, as it can be painful to…
Living with a rare disorder like cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be challenging. It can be hard to find information about the disease, or doctors who specialize in treating it. It is, therefore, common for people with CAD to feel isolated. Some may find it difficult to talk to…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells under cold conditions, causing them to burst. Patients may require regular electrocardiograms because CAD can cause heart problems. What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical signals…
Being diagnosed with a chronic disease such as cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be stressful, and stress can contribute to anxiety and depression, among other issues. Patients and their families and caregivers can practice some forms of self-care to reduce their stress. The following are a…
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