Question 1

What is inflammatory bowel diseases?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract, primarily Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It is caused by an abnormal immune response where the body attacks healthy tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, often influenced by genetic factors like the HLA-B27 antigen. The HLA-B27 Antigen test is the most important test for assessing genetic risk, while the Lysozyme test is essential for monitoring inflammatory activity in IBD.

Question 2

What causes inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease is caused by an abnormal immune response where your body's defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your digestive tract. Genetic factors play a significant role, with specific markers like the HLA-B27 antigen increasing your susceptibility to developing IBD. Environmental triggers, gut bacteria imbalances, and a family history of IBD can also contribute to the development of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, though the exact combination of factors varies from person to person.

Question 3

What is the best test for inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

The HLA-B27 Antigen test is the most important genetic screening test for inflammatory bowel disease because it identifies individuals with a higher genetic risk of developing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This genetic marker helps determine your susceptibility to IBD before symptoms become severe. The Lysozyme test is also essential for monitoring IBD because it measures inflammatory activity by detecting elevated lysozyme levels that occur when your body is actively fighting inflammation in the digestive tract. Together, these blood tests provide critical information about both your genetic risk and current inflammatory state, helping you and your doctor create an effective management plan.

Question 4

When should I get tested for inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or chronic fatigue. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as genetic factors significantly increase your risk. Early testing helps identify IBD before complications develop, allowing you to start treatment sooner and prevent long-term damage to your digestive system.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease causes persistent diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, severe abdominal cramping and pain, urgent bowel movements, and rectal bleeding. You might also experience fatigue, unintended weight loss, reduced appetite, and fever during flare-ups. Some people with IBD develop symptoms outside the digestive tract, including joint pain, skin rashes, eye inflammation, and liver problems, which occur because the chronic inflammation affects other body systems.

Question 6

Who is at risk for inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of IBD have a significantly higher risk, especially if a parent or sibling has Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Young adults between ages 15 and 35 are most commonly diagnosed, though IBD can develop at any age. Smokers have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, while paradoxically, smoking may have a protective effect against ulcerative colitis. Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and those with the HLA-B27 genetic marker face elevated risk, and people who have taken frequent antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be more susceptible.

Question 7

What happens if inflammatory bowel disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated inflammatory bowel disease can lead to serious complications including intestinal blockages, fistulas where abnormal tunnels form between organs, abscesses filled with pus, and perforations in the bowel wall. Chronic inflammation increases your risk of colon cancer, especially if you have had IBD for more than eight years. You may develop severe malnutrition and anemia from poor nutrient absorption and blood loss, and the constant inflammation can cause irreversible damage requiring surgical removal of parts of your intestines. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce these risks and help you maintain a better quality of life.

Question 8

Can inflammatory bowel disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, but they provide critical information about genetic risk and inflammation levels. The HLA-B27 Antigen test identifies genetic markers associated with increased IBD susceptibility, while the Lysozyme test measures inflammatory activity in your body. Healthcare providers use these blood tests alongside colonoscopy, imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, and stool tests to confirm an IBD diagnosis and distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Blood work also helps monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness over time.

Question 9

How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease is treated with anti-inflammatory medications like aminosalicylates and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation during flare-ups, and immune system suppressors to prevent your body from attacking digestive tissue. Biologic therapies target specific proteins that cause inflammation and have become increasingly effective for moderate to severe IBD. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat infections or complications, and medications to manage specific symptoms like diarrhea and pain. In severe cases where medication is not effective, surgery to remove damaged portions of the intestine may be necessary, though this is typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been tried.

Question 10

How can I prevent inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent inflammatory bowel disease if you have genetic risk factors, you can reduce your risk of flare-ups by avoiding smoking, which significantly worsens Crohn's disease. Limiting use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen helps protect your digestive tract from additional inflammation. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids while limiting processed foods may help reduce inflammation, though specific dietary triggers vary by individual. Managing stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques can help prevent flare-ups, as stress is known to worsen IBD symptoms.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics containing beneficial bacteria may help restore gut balance and reduce inflammation in some people with IBD, though you should consult your doctor before starting supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce symptoms during mild flare-ups. Turmeric containing curcumin shows promise in reducing inflammation, and some people find relief with peppermint oil for cramping and discomfort. Keeping a food diary to identify and avoid trigger foods, staying well-hydrated, and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms naturally, but these remedies should complement rather than replace medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Blood Test

What is Inflammatory bowel diseases?

What causes inflammatory bowel disease?

What is the best test for inflammatory bowel disease?

When should I get tested for inflammatory bowel disease?

References

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