Comorbidities of Crohn's Disease: Understanding Associated Health Risks

Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes significant tissue damage deep into the intestinal tract. This damage can increase your risk for certain conditions and diseases, but does not guarantee you will get any of them.

Colon Cancer

• Crohn's disease can increase your risk of colon cancer. The Mayo Clinic notes, however, that 90 percent of people with IBD never get cancer. Certain medications used to treat Crohn's can also slightly increase your risk of cancer.

Anemia

• People with Crohn's disease often suffer anemia. Poor nutrient absorption leads to iron deficiency, which reduces red blood cell production, resulting in anemia.

Bone Problems

• This resulting inflammation of Crohn's can increase your risk of arthritis. Crohn's disease appears to negatively impact bone density which can result in osteoporosis. You increase your risk of Crohn's-related osteoporosis if you smoke or have been using steroids long term.

Liver and Biliary Disease

• The National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse indicates Crohn's disease can cause a number of liver and biliary problems such as gallstones.

Physical Complications

• Crohn's disease can cause a number of physical complications like intestinal blockage, anal fissures (cracks prone to infection) and fistulas---abnormal tissue connections that can lead to poor nutrient absorption or improper drainage of waste.