Crohn's Disease - Immune system higher or lower?

[Agent99]

I've had Crohn's Disease for nearly 30 years. I have had issues with the Crohns off and on and various intensities. About 7 years ago, I started Humira and was on Humira for about 5 years. A year ago, I discontinued the Humira because my medical providers could not determine what was causing a severe, chronic sinus issue (post nasal drip, chronic sinus infections, etc.). I've been off Humira for a year now and the sinus issues have not stopped completely. I'm currently on antibiotics for another sinus infection and I'm miserable.

My question is.... I always thought that Crohns was an over-reaction of the immune system. If that is the case, then could my over-reactive immune system be attacking my sinuses thinking that there is something to attack? I never know whether to try to boost my immune system or not!

 

[Agent99]

Hmmmm, I did find another thread on this topic, but it's an older thread. It can be found here: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=9615

It just seems that other than the post nasal drip that started 2+ years into taking Humira, that I've been sick more since I've been off Humira than when I was on Humira. I thought that being on Humira would make me catch everything that was going around, but it was the complete opposite... I was always the one in the family and at the office who was not sick. Maybe because I was being careful, maybe not. Regardless, since I've been off Humira, I've been on antibiotics about 4-5 times and I've had stomach flu. All of which I did not have while on Humira, or at least until the PND started about 2-3 years into the humira.

 

[Scipio]

I suppose anything is possible when dealing with a malfunctioning immune system, but I think that the sinuses would be an unusual location for an autoimmune attack. I think a more likely explanation is that a stubborn infection got going in your sinuses. and perhaps due to the inflammation and swelling they do not drain properly - leading to a vicious cycle of infection --> inflammation --> infection.

I suggest you consult with an otolaryngologist to see what can be done to clear this up.

 

[DEmberton]

When I started Aza I asked the doctor if suppressing my immune system would cure my hayfever. He laughed and said unfortunately not as it's "a different part of the immune system".

I don't know if that's in any way related.

 

[Agent99]

I suppose anything is possible when dealing with a malfunctioning immune system, but I think that the sinuses would be an unusual location for an autoimmune attack. I think a more likely explanation is that a stubborn infection got going in your sinuses. and perhaps due to the inflammation and swelling they do not drain properly - leading to a vicious cycle of infection --> inflammation --> infection.
I suggest you consult with an otolaryngologist to see what can be done to clear this up.

I did, several years ago and had sinus surgery. This actually made things worse. I'm being referred to a allergist/immunologist so maybe some answers there. Thank you!!

 

[Agent99]

When I started Aza I asked the doctor if suppressing my immune system would cure my hayfever. He laughed and said unfortunately not as it's "a different part of the immune system".

I don't know if that's in any way related.

Thank you!