Gut Inflammation Test

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two distinct gastrointestinal disorders, although it can be difficult to distinguish between them. While both IBD and IBS can have similar symptoms, they are not the same and require very different treatments. IBS is a syndrome, or group of symptoms. It can affect how the bowels function, making them work much more quickly or slowly than normal. Stress or eating a large meal can trigger IBS symptoms, which are often relieved by having a bowel movement. IBS can cause debilitating symptoms and significantly affect quality of life. However, it does not cause inflammation or damage to the intestines, meaning it does not appear on imaging scans of the colon. People with IBS rarely require hospitalization or surgery. Treatment for IBS can include medication, diet and lifestyle changes, and stress reduction techniques. IBD is a disease characterized by long-term inflammation in the intestines. This inflammation can cause permanent damage to the intestines, meaning that it can be visible in medical imaging.  Unlike IBS, IBD may cause blood in the stool, anemia, or weight loss in addition to diarrhea and abdominal pain. Treatment for IBD usually involves medication or surgery. The prevalence of IBS is estimated to be between 10 and 25% in Western countries, while the prevalence of IBD is approximately 0.3%. Although IBD is less common than IBS, it requires prompt, specific treatment and is therefore important to test for and exclude. 

It’s not clear what exactly causes IBD. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, causing inflammation. Genetics and environmental triggers such as smoking, stress, and medication use are believed to play a role. 

No, there is no cure for IBD. However, there are many medications and treatments that can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and prevent complications. 

The symptoms of IBD can be difficult to live with and severely impact quality of life. Not treating the disease can mean that flare-ups are more frequent, and that severe inflammation, damage to the intestines, and complications may occur more quickly.

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have potential complications, including:

• Bowel cancer: People with IBD are at higher risk of developing bowel cancer. If you are diagnosed with IBD your doctor will recommend when and how often to start screening for bowel cancer. 
• Blood clots: IBD increases the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis: In rare cares, inflammation can cause scarring in the bile ducts, reducing bile flow and causing liver damage.
• Skin, eye, and joint inflammation: As IBD is an autoimmune disorder, it can also affect other parts of the body during flare-ups.
• Bowel obstruction: Over time, Crohn’s disease can cause the bowel to thicken and narrow. Surgery may be required to remove the diseased part of the bowel.
• Malnutrition: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and inflammation can make it difficult to eat enough, and the intestine may not sufficiently absorb nutrients from the food that is eaten. Anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency are common complications of Crohn’s disease. 
• Fistulae: When inflammation affects the full thickness of the intestinal wall, abnormal passageway or connection between body parts can occur. Fistulae can become infected and form a pocket of pus, also known as an abscess.
• Toxic megacolon: Inflammation from IBD can cause the colon to swell rapidly and stop working. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. 

It is highly unlikely to have undiagnosed IBD with low calprotectin levels- in a 2014 meta-analysis, having low calprotectin levels (less than 40 micrograms/gram) was associated with a less than 1% risk of having IBD. However, it is possible to have high calprotectin and not have IBD, and a calprotectin test alone cannot diagnose IBD. If your test results indicate elevated calprotectin levels, see your doctor for follow-up testing and treatment.