Crohn's and Cystic Fibrosis

[Linda]

My son was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease and I was wondering about the genetic links. I had found out several years ago when I was pregnant that I carry the gene for Cystic Fibrosis. We tested my husband and he does not carry the gene so therefore, our children would not get the disease. However, I researched the subject on the internet and found out that there is a known link between Cystic Fibrosis and Crohn's disease and that patients with Cystic Fibrosis have a 17 times higher incidence of Crohn's disease. A drug called Infliximab helps to treat both the colonic lesions and the Cystic Fibrosis. Has anyone else heard about this?

 

[AndiGirl]

Thank you for the information. I have read in several medical reports that there may be link between some asthma and Crohn's Disease. I found that interesting because I have both. Cystic Fibrosis is much worse than asthma, but they share some minor symptoms: breathing difficulties, excessive mucous production. My mother who was a nurse said that there may even be more similarities between the two, but Cystic Fibrosis is much more debilitating.

 

[Becky]

When I was pregnant my OB suggested that i get tested for Cystic fibrosis because I have crohns.

 

[dannysmom]

Your question has such interesting timing for me. Today my son (who was given an atypical Crohn's dx by some doctors) had a postive sweat test today and is now dx w/ Cystic Fibrosis.

I just read that patients with Cystic Fibrosis are 17 times more likely to develop Crohn's disease.