Conditions That Can Go Along With Crohn’s Disease
Digestive HealthCrohn's Disease

Conditions That Can Go Along With Crohn’s Disease

Learn more about understanding, managing, and preventing conditions such as anemia and arthritis that can appear alongside Crohn’s.
Conditions That Can Go Along With Crohn’s Disease
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Published on May 17, 2024
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Living with Crohn’s disease often means managing more than just its typical symptoms. Many people with Crohn’s experience additional health issues, or comorbidities, that affect their overall well-being. These conditions can impact not only gastrointestinal health but also broader physical and mental health.

One study found that 20 percent of IBD patients had at least one comorbidity, and 10 percent experienced two or more chronic diseases.

 According to Amy Myers, MD, an expert in functional medicine and gut health, individuals with Crohn’s are at higher risk for various chronic illnesses, including colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and anemia.

Read on to learn more about these comorbidities and how to manage them. Understanding the conditions associated with Crohn’s and adopting preventive care measures can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with this disease.

6 Common Crohn’s Comorbidities

1. Arthritis

Up to 30 percent of IBD patients may have arthritis, which is the inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is generally associated with older age, but when it presents as a symptom of Crohn’s, it often affects younger people.

2. Osteoporosis

Lower than average bone density affects between 30 and 60 percent of IBD patients, and it can manifest as osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become porous and fragile. A number of causes have been attributed to the issue, including prolonged use of corticosteroids, active inflammation, and vitamin D deficiency, according to Dr. Myers.

Kelly Kennedy, RDN, staff dietitian for Everyday Health, encourages IBD patients to find other sources of calcium to boost bone health, since dairy is a common sensitivity for those with Crohn’s. This can include almonds, tofu, soy milk, or a fortified nondairy milk with added calcium or vitamin D.

3. Anemia

Almost one-third of patients with IBD also have anemia, or a low red blood cell count. The inflammation of the intestines impacts the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.

“Unfortunately it’s coming at you in two directions,” says Kennedy. “Even if you eat the same food as someone else, you might not be getting the same nutritional benefits from it, because your body literally cannot process and absorb the same amount of nutrients as someone with a healthy gut.”

4. Depression

Depression and Crohn’s may go hand in hand, according to a study published in 2023 of more than 3,300 patients with self-reported Crohn’s disease. The study indicated that while Crohn’s symptoms often lead to depression, the presence of depression can in turn worsen the activity and symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This triggers a destructive cycle in which depressive thoughts lead to poor self care — which leads to worsening symptoms.


Perspectives
Portrait of a person
Myra
Living with Crohn’s disease
“I’m on an antidepressant, which I hate. … But I know I have to be on it because this disease gets to you. Sometimes you have bad days. And that antidepressant reduces the amount of bad days you have.”
Transcript Available

5. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading global cause of death, and Crohn’s patients have an increased risk of developing it due to consistent inflammation, according to a study published 2024. People with Crohn’s, particularly women and younger patients, should take a proactive approach to their health. This includes managing Crohn’s symptoms and inflammation effectively and actively working to reduce cardiovascular risk factors to prevent further health issues.

6. Colon Cancer

Prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract caused by Crohn’s disease puts patients at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center. When the gastrointestinal tract is in a constant state of inflammation and repair, the high turnover can lead to an error in replaced cells, which can result in cancer.

To reduce the risk of developing cancer, Myers echoes MD Anderson Cancer Center’s advice to patients to reduce inflammation as much as possible, both during active flare-ups and in states of remission.

Managing Crohn’s Disease and Preventing Comorbidities

Managing Crohn’s disease extends far beyond the gastrointestinal tract. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 25 to 40 percent of IBD patients experience extraintestinal complications that can affect the joints, skin, bones, eyes, kidneys, and liver. These statistics highlight the critical importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention.

Myers emphasizes the crucial role that gut health plays in managing both Crohn’s and overall health. “Your gut is the foundation of your whole body’s health, because 80 percent of your immune system resides there,” says Myers. “Without a healthy gut, you can’t have a healthy immune system.”

Several diets have shown promising results for managing Crohn’s, including the anti-inflammatory diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Crohn’s disease exclusion diet, and the specific carbohydrate diet. It’s important to discuss dietary options with your doctor and work with a nutritionist on an eating plan that’s right for you.

The Takeaway

Living with Crohn’s disease means managing not only digestive symptoms but also common comorbidities like arthritis, osteoporosis, and depression. Taking a whole-person approach to your treatment can help improve both your Crohn’s and your overall health. Remember to consult with your healthcare team about any new symptoms to tailor the best plan for your needs.

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Waseem Ahmed, MD

Medical Reviewer

Waseem Ahmed, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and serves as Directo...

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Megan Mikaelian

Author

Megan Mikaelian is a Chicago-based copywriter covering a range of digestive health topics including Crohn's and IBD, liver disease, and kidney disease for Everyday Health. She stri...

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Resources
  1. Mosli MH et al. Multimorbidity Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study. BMC Gastroenterology. November 26, 2022.
  2. Extraintestinal Complications of IBD. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
  3. Gaines LS et al. The Comorbidity of Patient-Reported Crohn’s Disease Activity and Depression: The Role of Health Behavior Mediators. Crohn’s & Colitis 360. December 23, 2023.
  4. Sinh P et al. Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Causes and Consequences. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. April 2024.
  5. Underferth D. Does Crohn’s Disease Affect Your Cancer Risk? MD Anderson Cancer Center. April 8, 2021.