D89.1: Cryoglobulinaemia

You have certain antibodies in your blood that clump together when it is cold.

The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system can also destroy cells in the body that have pathologically changed. The body's immune system is made up of different types of immune cells. Some immune cells can destroy pathogens or foreign bodies themselves. Other immune cells produce certain antibodies. Some of the immune system’s antibodies can make pathogens and foreign substances visible to the immune system. Other antibodies attack pathogens or foreign substances directly.

Your defense cells have produced certain antibodies.

These antibodies clump together when it is cold, then come apart again when it is warm. When the antibodies clump together, blood vessels may get blocked or inflamed. When blood vessels get inflamed, you may experience pain, weakness or other complaints. Organs may be harmed. Fingers or ears may also turn white or blue when it is cold, for example.

The antibodies can disrupt blood clotting or damage blood vessels. You can then have bleeding in the skin.

These antibodies may be produced because of an inflammation in the body or some other condition, for example. It is also possible that no cause is found.