Why is Faecal Calprotectin High? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
Learn about high faecal calprotectin levels, their causes, symptoms, and what steps to take next.
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is below the typical adult range (0–50 µg/g).
is within the typical adult range (0–50 µg/g).
is above the typical adult range (0–50 µg/g).
This number is very far from the usual range - check which unit your report uses.
A value this far outside the range is worth discussing with your doctor today.
What a low result usually means
The range printed on your own report comes first - it differs between laboratories. This is not a diagnosis.
See it next to the rest of your report - upload it for a free, private explanationFree. Sign up with your email - no password, we send you a code.Faecal calprotectin is a protein found in your stool that serves as a marker for inflammation in the intestines. If you've received lab results showing high faecal calprotectin levels, you might be wondering what this means and what you should do next. This article will guide you through the potential causes, symptoms, and practical steps you can take.
What is Faecal Calprotectin?
Faecal calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells when there is inflammation in the gut. It's measured through a stool test and is often used to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel conditions. While a normal range can vary depending on the specific assay used, generally, levels below 50 µg/g are considered normal. However, it's important to note that these numbers can vary based on the test and the laboratory.
Why Does Faecal Calprotectin Matter?
High levels of faecal calprotectin can be an indicator of inflammation in the intestines. This is particularly important for distinguishing between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD, which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation and can lead to more severe symptoms and complications than IBS, which does not involve inflammation.
Causes of High Faecal Calprotectin
Several conditions can lead to elevated faecal calprotectin levels:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause temporary increases in faecal calprotectin.
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to increased calprotectin levels.
- Colorectal Cancer: In some cases, elevated levels may be associated with colorectal cancer, although this is less common.
Symptoms Associated with High Faecal Calprotectin
High faecal calprotectin levels are often associated with symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea, which may be persistent
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a faecal calprotectin test involve?
A faecal calprotectin test is a non-invasive procedure that requires a stool sample. The sample is analyzed to measure the level of calprotectin.
Can diet affect faecal calprotectin levels?
While diet itself may not directly affect calprotectin levels, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms of underlying conditions like IBD.
Is a high faecal calprotectin level always a sign of IBD?
Not necessarily. While high levels can indicate IBD, they can also be due to infections or other temporary conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If your test results show high faecal calprotectin levels, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing. If you experience severe symptoms like persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, or significant weight loss, seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, while this article provides information about faecal calprotectin, any decisions regarding your health should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.