For the past two months, I've had a constant feeling of bloating and occasional sharp pains in my lower abdomen. My bowel movements have become irregular, sometimes constipated and other times loose. I had a stool test done, but I'm not sure what the results mean. The test showed elevated levels of something called calprotectin. Could this be a sign of IBS or something else? What dietary changes should I make?
Below.
C-Reactive Protein:5 mg/L
Calprotectin:250 µg/g
Hemoglobin:13.5 g/dL
Red Blood Cells:4.6 x10^12/L
White Blood Cells:5.5 x10^9/L
Sarah has been experiencing constant bloating and occasional sharp pains in her lower abdomen for the past two months. Her bowel movements have become irregular, alternating between constipation and loose stools. She had a stool test done which showed elevated levels of calprotectin.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (70%) - Elevated calprotectin levels often indicate inflammation in the intestines, which is common in conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (30%) - While IBS can cause similar symptoms, it typically does not cause elevated calprotectin levels.
The elevated calprotectin levels in your stool test suggest that there is inflammation in your intestines. This is more commonly seen in conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can also cause similar symptoms, it usually does not lead to elevated calprotectin levels. IBD is a chronic condition that can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. It is important to consult with a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for you. They may recommend additional tests such as a colonoscopy to get a clearer picture of your intestinal health. In the meantime, you can make some dietary changes to help manage your symptoms. Avoiding foods that are high in fat, dairy products, and spicy foods can help reduce bloating and abdominal pain. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated can also be beneficial.
Your stool test showed elevated levels of calprotectin (250 µg/g), which indicates inflammation in your intestines. This is a common marker for conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Your other blood test results, including white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein, are within normal ranges.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. For questions contact us at hi@doctola.com