Is Crohn’s Disease Genetic? Tracing Your Family History

You’ve seen firsthand how your father struggles with Crohn’s disease. It presents so many challenges; he always has to make sure a bathroom is within close distance, and he experiences frequent cramps and abdominal pain.

Now, you’re worried. Is Crohn’s disease genetic? And if it is, does that guarantee you’ll get it? What if you want to have children one day? Will they inherit the disease?

This situation perfectly illustrates the challenges a lot of our patients face everyday.

“We’re frequently asked if there’s a genetic connection to Crohn’s disease. Many are afraid if it runs in their family that they will automatically get it. That’s not necessarily the case, although having a close relative with the illness does increase your risk of developing it.” 

We’ll take a closer look at Crohn’s disease, explore its genetic component, and provide basic information about this illness, as well as treatment options.

Is Crohn’s Genetic? What You Need to Know About Crohn’s Disease

Yes, there is a strong genetic component to Crohn’s disease. However, as we’ll discuss, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the disease if it runs in your family.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nearly 1 in 100 Americans have some type of IBD. In addition, between 1.5 and 28 percent of those with IBD have a close relative–such as a parent or sibling—with the disorder, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Are You Born With Crohn’s Disease Or Is It Developed?

Is Crohn’s disease genetic? There is a strong genetic component to Crohn’s disease. However, predicting who will develop it, even among those with a family history, is challenging. Having relatives with the disease doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get it

Typically, symptoms don’t appear immediately in childhood. Often, they develop in the late teens or early adulthood, starting subtly but gradually getting worse.

While diet doesn’t cause Crohn’s disease, it can make it worse. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can help you better manage the symptoms of Crohn’s.

How Likely Is It to Inherit Crohn’s Disease?

If you’re struggling to cope with the pain and diarrhea that accompany this condition, you’re likely worried about your children. Will they go through the same misery that you are? Is Crohn’s disease genetic? We’ve already stated that there’s a strong familial component, so it is logical that you would be worried.

It’s hard to pinpoint how likely it is to inherit Crohn’s disease because many environmental factors could also be involved in developing it. However, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute, if a child has one parent with Crohn’s disease, they have a 7 to 9% risk of developing the illness. The child also has a 10% chance of developing some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as colitis.

If both parents have some type of IBD, the child’s risk of developing Crohn’s disease increases to 35 percent.

What Are the Three Highest Risk Factors for Crohn’s Disease?

Family History

As we’ve mentioned earlier, having a close relative with Crohn’s disease puts you at greater risk of developing the disorder.

Smoking

Several theories exist as to why smoking significantly raises the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. Researchers believe it has to do with the way smoking decreases blood flow and lowers the natural defenses of the intestines. Additionally, research indicates that prolonged smoking may lead to alterations in the immune system, setting the stage for inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s.

If you smoke, it’s time to quit–not only to reduce your risk of developing IBDs, but to help safeguard you from lung cancer or other diseases. Need resources? Check out this information from the Centers for Disease Control.

Certain Medications

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can place you at greater risk of developing Crohn’s. While they don’t cause Crohn’s, they can cause bowel inflammation that makes it worse. Please speak with us if you’re taking these medications and you’re having symptoms of Crohn’s.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The severity of Crohn’s disease symptoms may vary from person to person, but in general, they include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding (this can be severe and serious, leading to low red blood cell count)
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Arthritis
  • Fever
  • Skin problems

Children with Crohn’s disease may not be growing at the same rate of their peers (stunted growth) and experience delayed development.

How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?

It can be treated with steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs, but some of the most promising treatments for Crohn’s disease are medicines called “biologic agents.” These block proteins that are responsible for causing intestinal damage and inflammation.

Our IBD Center of Excellence Utilizes the Latest Therapies for Treating Crohn’s Disease

We successfully use these biologic agents to help patients get their life back, reducing symptoms. This therapy not only prolongs remission, but it also helps patients avoid hospitalizations and surgeries.

The primary biologic agent we utilize is Remicade. Our Wake Endoscopy Center has one of the East Coast’s most extensive and successful Remicade infusion facilities. Additionally, we treat more patients with this therapy than any other center in North Carolina.

We’re inspired daily by the patient success stories we hear—this is why we do what we do, and it’s always rewarding to see our patients overcome their challenges.

We Can Help You Face the Challenges of Crohn’s Disease

As leading, board-certified gastroenterologists in Raleigh, we know how devastating Crohn’s disease can be on our patients’ lives. Many are afraid to speak to others or seek care for this condition because they’re embarrassed.

We don’t want anyone to be embarrassed or hesitant to speak with us about their condition: We want to work together with you in order to find solutions that can help you get your life back.

Not only are we gastroenterologists in Raleigh, but we have several locations to serve you, including:

  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Clayton
  • Henderson
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Morrisville
  • Smithfield
  • Wake Forest
  • Wilson

And endoscopy centers in:

  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Clayton
  • Wake Forest
  • Wilson

Don’t face these challenges alone. Seek out our compassionate, patient-centered care. Contact us to request an appointment.