IBS? IBD? or worse?

[ramon82]

IBS? IBD? or worse?

Hi all - I have been suffering from IBS-like symptoms for over a year now. Recently blood tests were done and all resulted OK. These tests included CBC, WCC, RCC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, ESR, C-reactive protein, Anti tissue transglutaminase lgA/IgG.

So from the blood work side I am clear. Now a test remains and its the Fecal Calprotectin - it measures the level of inflammation (if any).

My question is this: Do doctors use this test to differentiate from IBS to IBD? for what else do they do this test? - my doctor is quite reserved and doesn't let out much and it worries me

Thanks

[poing]

Yes, it's a test to look for inflammation and it's used to differentiate patients with IBS from those who probably have IBD or other serious inflammatory disease.

It's also used as as screening test for colonoscopy... if you do have inflammatory markers, then they will probably want to follow up with a colonscopy.

[ramon82]

Calprotectin result just came out - its a normal 46.6 ug/g - does that mean I am free of serious illnesses?

[ashis_75]

Hi!

To me, Calprotectin test is done to distinguish IBD or IBS. IBD referes to any kind of infection in GI track. But IBS is something different may be functional disorder. Nobody knows exact reason. It may appear due lack of sleep/ prolong stress or some food ( food intolerance) may trigger this IBS. Some food are cabbage, cauliflower, dal, spinach, skin of fruit and seed. I face problem with Coffey, milk product and sometime tea also.

Ashis