Autoimmune Disease - Cryoglobulinemia

Cryoglobulinemia is a disorder in which cryoglobulins are found within a person's bloodstream. Cryoglobulins are a type of protein that tend to be precipitated when you are exposed to cold temperatures, generally around 36 degrees F. Typically cryoglobulins are found in those that possess other types of illnesses or disorders such as specific types of autoimmune diseases or leukemia, pneumonia and myleoma. Additionally Cryoglobulinemia has been found to have a direct link with some viral infections and diseases such as the hepatitis C infection.

What are the symptoms of Cryoglobulinemia?

Typically, a person who is affected with Cryoglobulinemia generally experiences some sensitivity when it comes to cold weather and typically cannot handle severe cold. When outside, people will generally begin to feel some numbness or pain within their toes and fingers, during colder weather. Because the disorder causes the blood to thicken in an abnormal way, the risk of creating blood clots increases within the heart, eyes, and brain. This means those experiencing Cryoglobulinemia are at a greater risk for heart problems and stroke. Furthermore, this disorder causes the blood vessels to become inflamed, also known as vasculitis; this causes an increased risk of artery blockage.

One type of cryoglobulinemia is called EMC (Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia). This condition is when the cryoglobulins are mixed with a variety of antibodies that mix for reasons that are unknown. Typically, a person with this condition will experience joint pains, arthritis, spleen enlargement, kidney, heart, or nerve disease.

What are the classifications of Cryoglobulinemia?

There are three classification groups of Cryoglobulinemia, they are Types I, II, and III. Type 1 Cryoglobulinemia is of the single type and anywhere from 10 to 15% of people who are affected with the disorder is affected with Type 1. Type 1 Cryoglobulinemia is typically found in those who have disorders such as lymphoproliferative disorders.

Type II and III are both of mixed types and both of these are the most common types. Type II will affect anywhere between 50-60% of those affected with the disorder and Type III affects 30-40%.

Treatments for Cryoglobulinemia

Typically, a physician will treat cryoglobulinemia with different types of medication. These medications are often used to treat instances of inflammation, as well as suppression of ones immune system. In extreme cases, a physician will require that the serum within the blood be replaced with a solution made up of salt water, also referred to as saline.

Because cryoglobulinemia can be a "side effect" of another disease present within the body, the physician will need to test for any other disease and treat them accordingly. Sometimes cryoglobulins are found with no other symptoms exist for the patient and the physician will need to conduct further testing to determine if any other diseases exist.

Maintaining a strong and balanced immune system

One of the best ways to combat and prevent cryoglobulinemia or other autoimmune disease is to maintain a strong and balanced immune system. There is a variety of products available all over the internet that is specifically made to help you obtain and maintain a balanced immune system. By having a strong immune system you will create a combative method of fighting off a variety of ailments and diseases.