Duration of Elevated Fecal Calprotectin Levels Post-Infectious Colitis
Age: 28, Male Non-smoker Height: 181 cm; Weight: 64 kg In late February and early March, I experienced a viral infectious colitis. My primary symptom was bloody diarrhea, which continued for two weeks without any accompanying pain. The symptoms ceased abruptly when I opted for a healing approach, relying on the BRAT diet and Pedialyte. As of today, July 8, I have been symptom-free for the past four months, experiencing no blood or diarrhea. I have noticed, however, that my digestive system seems more active than it used to be—particularly when I feel the urge to have a bowel movement or upon waking. Despite this, my stool consistency has largely reverted to normal, fluctuating between type 4 and sometimes mushy type 5, but I haven’t had any instances of watery stools like type 7. During my acute illness, I had a calprotectin test on March 8, which showed a reading of 2200. A follow-up test about 6.5 weeks later, on April 24, indicated a level of 229. The latest test on July 2 returned a value of 261, though this was conducted at a different laboratory with its own reference range. This leaves me questioning whether I should be concerned about the current reading. I’ve read that calprotectin levels can remain elevated for some time even after symptoms have resolved. How long can these levels stay elevated, and is it possible for them to take months or even a year to normalize completely? Additionally, I want to mention that approximately three weeks prior to my July 2 test, I experienced a mild case of food poisoning or gastroenteritis from June 8 to June 10, which involved vomiting and diarrhea after consuming contaminated food while traveling. Could this incident have contributed to the 261 calprotectin result? I hope to move past this episode and would prefer not to continue stool testing. I seek some reassurance on this matter, as I am no longer under a doctor's care (I’m in Canada, and the healthcare system is complex here).
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 1:50:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your calprotectin levels after going through a viral infectious colitis and subsequent episodes of gastrointestinal distress. Here’s a breakdown of the main points:
Summary of Key Points:
- Calprotectin Levels: Elevated levels can occur after intestinal infections and may take time to normalize, but gradual decreases are common.
- Current Readings: Your recent reading of 261 is lower than previous levels, suggesting improvement but still warrants monitoring.
- Impact of Gastroenteritis: Your recent mild gastroenteritis could influence your calprotectin levels.
Explanation:
Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells, and its levels can indicate intestinal inflammation. After an acute infection like colitis, it’s common for levels to stay elevated, even after symptoms have resolved. While some people see normalization within weeks, in others, it can take months for levels to stabilize. Your decreasing trend—from 2200 to 261—indicates improvement, which is encouraging.
The mild gastroenteritis you experienced could potentially contribute to a temporary rise in calprotectin levels. These infections can result in transient inflammation, which might explain why you still see some elevation.
Next Steps:
To ensure you stay on the right track:
- Monitor Symptoms: Continue to track any digestive changes or new symptoms, focusing on consistency and frequency of bowel movements.
- Diet and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables while staying hydrated. This supports your digestive health.
- Avoid Unnecessary Stress: Since you're no longer under direct medical care, it may be beneficial to manage your stress, as anxiety can impact gut health.
- Consider Follow-Up Testing: If you're feeling well but remain concerned about your calprotectin levels, consider discussing future testing only if symptoms return or persist.
- Empower Yourself with Information: Research information about gut health, gut flora, and lifestyle adjustments that may support recovery and function.
It's great to hear you’ve been symptom-free for four months, and maintaining healthy habits will aid your recovery. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, stay attuned to your body. Your well-being is most important, so take things one step at a time. Let me know if you need more support or clarification on any points!
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