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Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease and a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have one autoimmune disease, like Crohn’s, you are more likely to have another autoimmune disease.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. It is considered an autoimmune disease.

There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases affecting over 23.5 million people in the United States.

These conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own organs, tissues, or cells. What triggers this faulty immune response isn’t clear, but it may stem from some combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Having one autoimmune condition increases your risk of developing another. Having three or more is known as multiple autoimmune syndromes.

Here are some of the immune-related or inflammatory disorders that may be associated with Crohn’s disease.

There seems to be an association between IBD and another inflammatory condition – arthritis. Around 20% of people who have Crohn’s disease and 10% of individuals with ulcerative colitis also have some form of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis where an overactive immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This leads to symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, as well as chronic fatigue. RA can also affect the eyes, lungs, and heart.

A 2020 meta-analysis suggests a significant association between IBD and the risk of RA. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a severe form of spinal arthritis, though rare, is an uncommon complication, affecting between 2% and 3% of people with IBD).

Other forms of arthritis

Crohn’s may be linked to other forms of arthritis as well. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, as many as 30% of people living with IBD also have some form of arthritis, such as peripheral arthritis, which commonly affects large joints in the arms and legs, as well as the elbows, wrists, knees, or ankles and axial arthritis, or spondylitis, which affects the lower spine and sacroiliac joints in the lower back.

The reasons for these links aren’t clear, though Crohn’s and arthritis are both inflammatory conditions. Genetic and environmental factors may be involved.

Psoriasis occurs when the overactive immune system causes skin cells to grow faster than normal and pile up on the skin’s surface. This leads to raised patches of dry, cracked, itchy skin, known as psoriasis plaques.

A large 2018 meta-analysis suggests a significant association between psoriasis and IBD. Possible explanations may include:

  • immune system dysfunction
  • systemic inflammation
  • disruption in gut microbiota
  • genetic abnormalities

A 2022 study found that individuals with IBD had a higher risk of developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but not the other way around.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to occur when the immune system attacks the coating around the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

This disrupts signals to and from the brain, leading to a variety of unpredictable symptoms from numbness and tingling to memory problems, fatigue, and issues with mobility.

Research suggests an increased incidence of MS among people with IBD and vice versa. MS also seems to be more prevalent in people living with IBD than in the general population.

The reasons for this link aren’t clear. There may be a genetic predisposition to both disorders. Another theory is that intestinal microbes play a role, though more research is needed.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of your body. It most commonly impacts the joints, skin, kidneys, and heart.

For some, lupus can also affect the intestinal tract. This can lead to digestive symptoms similar to Crohn’s disease, like stomach pain and bloating. But it’s rare to have both Crohn’s and lupus.

Because the signs and symptoms of lupus and Crohn’s can be similar, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the right diagnosis.

Asthma is a respiratory condition that involves inflammation in the lungs. It affects your ability to breathe easily.

A 2023 study concluded that having a diagnosis of asthma or allergic rhinitis was associated with an increased risk of developing IBD.

Asthma isn’t an autoimmune disease, but it does involve an immune response. There’s no clear explanation for the link between IBD and asthma. Both may involve genetics, environmental factors, and the microbiome.

Research also shows an increased frequency of IBD in people who have another type of respiratory disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD isn’t classified as an autoimmune disease either, but autoimmunity may play a role in its development.

As many as 40% of people with Crohn’s disease also have low bone density. This can increase your risk of conditions like:

  • osteoporosis (bone loss)
  • osteopenia (low bone density)
  • osteomalacia (softening bones)

Crohn’s disease is also associated with many other health conditions that aren’t considered inflammatory or autoimmune.

Migraine

Individuals with IBD are more likely to have migraine attacks and severe headaches. A 2021 population-based study of adutls in the United States found that of individuals who had migraine, over 28% had IBD. Researchers suggest this association may be related to a complex gut-brain connection.

Colon cancer

According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases if you have a particular type of Crohn’s disease that affects the colon, known as Crohn’s colitis. Other factors that can increase the risk of colon cancer include:

  • an 8-to-10-year history of Crohn’s disease
  • severe or extensive inflammation of the colon
  • a family history of colorectal cancer

Iron-deficiencies

There is a well-observed association between IBD and anemia. Researchers suggest it is caused by frequent blood loss in the gut due to the ulcers that form. Other causes may be the inability of the intestines of individuals with IBD to absorb enough nutrients such as iron.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is a chronic liver disease that may cause cirrhosis of the liver and may ultimately lead to liver failure in some people. In this condition, inflammation causes scarring of the bile ducts, the tiny tubes that carry digestive fluids (bile) from the liver into the small intestines. As they become inflamed, they are scarred and eventually become blocked. The bile backs up into the liver and begins to destroy liver tissue.

Some researchers suspect IBD and PSC are either two types of the same disease or intricately related, though PSC is rare, and many more people have IBS only.

Fibromyalgia

An older study also found that fibromyalgia, a condition marked by widespread muscle pain and tenderness, is particularly common in Crohn’s disease.

Other health complications

People who have IBD are at increased risk of developing other health issues and complications, such as:

  • heart disease
  • lung disease
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • ulcer

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk of developing any health conditions related to Crohn’s disease. Together, you can develop a plan to minimize your risk and prioritize your health.

Living with one chronic illness is challenging enough. Being diagnosed with multiple health conditions can feel overwhelming. These strategies can help you manage.

Schedule regular checkups

One of the most important things you can do is keep your regular medical appointments. Keep your doctor informed of any symptoms or medication side effects you’re experiencing, and be sure to discuss any other health concerns you may have.

Take medications as prescribed

Follow your treatment plan as prescribed. If you think it needs adjusting, speak with your doctor before making any changes.

If you see multiple doctors, ask them to share medical information to coordinate your care. Ask about interactions between drugs, especially if you’re taking various medications to manage multiple conditions.

Stay active

Regular exercise is good for overall health and has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. A 2024 review of studies found that the evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers were reduced in individuals with autoimmune diseases who participated in regular exercise, with those who performed more than one type and intensity of exercise activity experiencing the most benefits.

Adjust your diet

Take a look at your diet to see if you can make any improvements to better manage your symptoms. Consider limiting foods may promote inflammation, such as:

  • sweetened soft drinks
  • refined carbohydrates
  • fructose corn syrup
  • processed and packaged foods that contain trans fats

Consider increasing your intake of foods that may help reduce inflammation, such as:

  • blueberries, apples
  • Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
  • foods high in fiber
  • fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids

If possible, meet with a dietitian to learn more about how your diet affects chronic inflammatory conditions.

Other steps to take

Here are some other ways to help manage life with multiple chronic illnesses:

  • Stick with your regular schedule if you can, especially when it comes to activities you truly enjoy.
  • When you’re fatigued or feeling run-down, adjust your schedule to make time to rest.
  • Join an online or in-person support group if you want to reach out to others. People who share common experiences can help each other cope.
  • Use technology to track symptoms, treatments, and side effects. Health apps can make it easier to identify symptom triggers or remind you when it’s time to take your medication or refill a prescription. They can also make it easier to share information with your doctor.
  • Prioritize your mental health. If you’re struggling emotionally, consider speaking with a therapist.

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. Having one type of autoimmune disease increases your risk of developing another.

If you have Crohn’s disease, talk with your doctor about your individual risk for developing related conditions. It’s not uncommon to have multiple chronic illnesses, but they can be effectively managed with the right steps.