Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
This is a very common syndrome with symptoms that are very similar to several other conditions;
firstly colitis, which is often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease and includes 2 main conidtions (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease),
secondly coeliac disease also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and
thirdly infections including food poisoning although the diarrhoea is generally more acute if there is an infection.
As the symptoms of these conditions are similar tests are often required to tell the difference. Some people complain that it is not always easy to get access to the appropriate tests and we offer several simple tests that can help. If the symptoms, in particular the diarrhoea is acute then an infection should be considered and a sample of stool cultured to see if any disease-causing bacterial organisms are present. Buy this stool culture test for acute diarrhoea.
If the condition is longstanding (chronic) then stool culture is not usually necessary. Most useful is a test of the degree of inflammation of the bowel wall. In colitis, an inflammation of the bowel, there is much inflammation and the Calprotectin level is high. In IBS there is little or no inflammation and the Calprotectin level is low or normal. We can measure the Calprotectin level in a sample of stool that you send to us. Buy the Calprotectin test to find out if you are more likely to have colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.
Finally, it is increasingly recognised that adults can suffer from gluten-sensitive enteropathy a condition formerly diagnosed mainly in children. Adults can be allergic to wheat and suffer chronic diarrhoea as a result but not recognise this for years. A simple blood test that you perform at home can tell if you are at risk of Coeliac disease. Buy this Coeliac test if you have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Other causes of diarrhoea and lower abdominal pain
Of course, there are very many other causes of diarrhoea and it is important that any new or severe symptoms are reported to your GP without delay to exclude serious disease such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis etc.
Important: drugs can affect the Calprotectin test result
If you are taking 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin then the Calprotectin level can be raised as these drugs cause intestinal inflammation. Studies on people taking low dose aspirin for prevention of strokes and heart disease however did not show raised Calprotectin levels. If in doubt about your medication consult the list below or phone us for advice before ordering the test.
Instructions for collecting the stool sample
1. Collect a sample of stool into a clean dry plastic container
2. Unscrew the cap of the sample collection device (take care as there is fluid in the tube that must be retained) and push the stick 2cm into the faeces
3. Pull the stick out and insert it into the collection device. Screw cap on firmly then shake well.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have taken 2 samples.
