Question

The differentiating feature between IBS and organic GI disease is:

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Stool calprotectin
• C. Pain abdomen
• D. Mucus in stools

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Differentiating Feature Between IBS and Organic GI Disease:

To distinguish between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and organic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, it's crucial to consider specific biomarkers and symptoms. While symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mucus in stools can occur in both IBS and organic GI diseases, they are not unique to either condition.

One of the most distinctive features used to differentiate between IBS and organic GI conditions is Stool Calprotectin. Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells, and its presence in stool is indicative of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated levels of stool calprotectin suggest an organic GI disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rather than IBS, which is typically not associated with increased inflammatory markers. Therefore, testing for stool calprotectin can be a valuable tool in differentiating these conditions.