Could My Digestive Issues Be IBS or a Mild Form of IBD?
Greetings, I'm a 19-year-old male, weighing 130 pounds and standing at 184 cm tall. For about a year now, I've been dealing with various digestive problems, and I would greatly value your insights regarding my situation. After undergoing numerous tests, I'm left pondering whether my symptoms might indicate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or perhaps a mild or atypical variant of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Here's what has been eliminated as potential causes of my issues: - Celiac disease: Results were negative. - Lactose intolerance: Also ruled out. - Testing for C. difficile, parasites, and bacterial infections: All results negative. - Treatment with colestyramine (Questran) proved ineffective. - Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) did not yield any improvement either. - A colonoscopy, along with biopsies, showed normal results, aside from mild redness which did not indicate inflammation. - My vitamin levels were checked, revealing that all were normal except for B9 (folate), which was significantly low. - I adhered to a strict low-FODMAP diet for two months, but unfortunately, it did not alleviate my symptoms. Throughout the past year, my calprotectin levels have fluctuated as follows (in μg/g): 660 → 50 → 187 → 460 → 191 → 101. Initially, my symptoms included: - Persistent urgency to use the bathroom and very rapid bowel movements - Loose, yellowish stools accompanied by mucus - Stools that floated - A dry sensation in my mouth and throat - A feeling of something stuck in my throat - Gassy or wet flatulence - Mucus present in my stool - Rectal discomfort, likely due to frequent bathroom visits - Sounds from my abdomen - Occasionally, a taste of my last meal when burping - Constant nausea, particularly in the mornings Currently, I am experiencing: - Nausea each morning - Mild sensations in my throat - Odd pressure or discomfort around my belly button and lower abdomen - Occasional, brief abdominal pain followed by gas - Unpleasant-smelling gas - Intermittent diarrhea - Yellowish and mucousy stool Has anyone else encountered fluctuating calprotectin levels with mostly normal test results? Is it possible that this could still point towards a mild or atypical form of Crohn’s disease or IBD? Or does it seem more likely to be IBS? I welcome any insights or experiences you may have to share!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 10:21:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a complex set of digestive issues for quite some time, and I appreciate how challenging that must be. Your detailed history and the tests you've undergone provide valuable information. Based on your symptoms and the fluctuating calprotectin levels, it's reasonable to consider both IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) as potential underlying causes.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms and test results suggest IBS might be more likely, but some features could overlap with IBD.
- The fluctuating calprotectin levels and the normal results from your colonoscopy and biopsies indicate that inflammation might not be present, which leans toward IBS.
- Addressing lifestyle and dietary factors may provide relief.
Explanation:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation) without underlying inflammation or structural abnormalities. Your symptom pattern aligns well with IBS, especially since you experienced no definitive inflammation despite some fluctuation in calprotectin.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease, typically presents with more persistent inflammation and can lead to noticeable intestinal damage. Your normal colonoscopy and biopsy results are reassuring against this diagnosis, though atypical forms can sometimes occur.
Next Steps:
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Diet Review: While you've tried a low-FODMAP diet, consider re-evaluating your diet. Keeping a detailed food and symptom diary could help identify specific triggers that exacerbate your symptoms.
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Hydration and Fiber: Ensure you're well-hydrated, and consider increasing soluble fiber in your diet (e.g., oats, barley, psyllium), as it may help normalize bowel movements and ease symptoms.
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Manage Stress: Stress can significantly impact IBS symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial in managing your symptoms.
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Consider Probiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotics can have a positive impact on IBS symptoms. Discuss with a dietitian or consider trying a probiotic supplement for a few weeks to see if you notice any improvements.
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Regular Follow-ups: Since you have persistent symptoms, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider who specializes in gastrointestinal issues can ensure proper management and exploration of additional treatment options if symptoms continue or worsen.
It's important to monitor your symptoms closely and keep track of any changes. You’re not alone in this experience, and many people with fluctuating digestive issues find it beneficial to adjust their lifestyle and dietary choices for relief. If you have further questions or need more specific advice, feel free to ask!
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