Calprotectin is a protein released by inflammatory cells and measured in a stool sample. An elevated level indicates intestinal inflammation but does not identify the cause by itself.
Why is it important? It can help distinguish IBD from IBS and monitor treatment response, although infection, medicines and other conditions may also raise the result.
Diagnosis and treatment Interpretation considers age, symptoms, medication and trends over time. An abnormal value may lead to further evaluation, including colonoscopy, depending on the clinical context.
Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition from the family of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), characterized by deep inflammation that may affect any part of the digestive system - from the mouth to the anus, although it most often affects the small intestine, primarily the ileum, and the colon. The inflammation in this disease penetrates all layers of the bowel wall, which distinguishes it from other inflammatory diseases. The disease is typically characterized by periods of flare-ups alternating with remission, and its common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes fever or rectal bleeding.
The exact cause of the development of Crohn's Disease is unknown, but a connection has been found between genetic predisposition, abnormal immune response to the environment, and the structure of the bowel wall. Management of the disease requires medical follow-up and multidisciplinary evaluation, with the goals of treatment being reduction of inflammation, achievement of remission, maintaining quality of life, and prevention of complications. Treatment approaches include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biological therapies, tailored nutrition, and sometimes surgery to remove damaged segments of the bowel. The treatment decision is personalized based on the severity of symptoms and patient compliance.
Crohn's Disease cannot be completely cured at this stage, but modern treatments enable significant reduction of symptoms and substantial improvement in quality of life. Even during periods of remission, ongoing medical follow-up is required to prevent further flare-ups and to identify possible complications. It is recommended to consult with a dedicated Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) team, incorporate nutritional support, and seek guidance from certified professionals to create a comprehensive management plan committed to optimal quality of life.
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that belongs to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which is characterized by persistent inflammation of the mucosal lining of the colon only. The inflammation always involves the rectum and may spread continuously along the entire length of the colon, and in rare cases also to the terminal portion of the small intestine.
The disease causes the formation of ulcers and sores in the inner wall of the colon, and depending on the extent of inflammation, the severity of symptoms varies: abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea (sometimes with blood or pus), urgency of bowel movements, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and in some cases impaired growth in children.
The disease is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission, and can manifest at any age but is most common between ages 15-30. The exact cause is unknown, but the hypotheses suggest a combination of genetic, environmental, and an excessive immune response against beneficial gut bacteria or foreign pathogens, leading to an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction. Ulcerative Colitis requires ongoing medication and usually also gastroenterological follow-up.
The medications are intended to suppress the inflammation and to regulate immune system activity. In severe cases and in the event of complications, surgery for partial or total removal of the colon may be required. There are currently about 21,000 people with Ulcerative Colitis in Israel, and in recent years the incidence has increased in Western countries.
Diagnostic tests include, among others, colonoscopy and blood tests, as well as a new video capsule test that enables full and non-invasive scanning of the colon to evaluate inflammation and monitor the disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the digestive system rather than a structural organic disease. This means that imaging, endoscopy, or laboratory tests typically do not reveal a clear pathological finding, despite the presence of significant symptoms.
Patients with IBS may report a wide range of symptoms, including recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both, and sometimes nausea and persistent abdominal discomfort. Symptoms tend to vary in intensity and character over time and are often exacerbated after eating.
Pathophysiologically, the syndrome is linked to a disturbance in the brain-gut axis, visceral hypersensitivity, changes in intestinal motility, and sometimes alterations in the gut microbiota. In many cases, psychological factors such as stress, pressure, and anxiety have a significant impact and can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria after ruling out other organic diseases, especially in the absence of "red flag" warning signs such as gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or anemia. Treatment includes pharmacological, dietary, and sometimes psychological interventions.