Identifying root cause - Stool tests

Diagnosis has been confirmed, what's next?

Stool tests

I'd like to emphasize the significance of fecal inflammatory markers, specifically alpha-1 antitrypsin and calprotectin. Depending on the intensity and nature of inflammation, these markers can rise to varying degrees, indicating issues in different parts of the intestine:

Alpha-1 antitrypsin serves as a marker for diseases affecting both the small and large intestine.

Calprotectin, on the other hand, primarily indicates inflammation in the walls of the large intestine.

However, an important consideration is that these markers can increase even when inflammation is limited to the submucosa of the intestine. Therefore, the most effective way to assess current inflammation within the bowel walls is through palpation, a diagnostic method in which the doctor 'feels' the child's abdomen. In the presence of inflammation, the intestinal loops will feel firm or dense to the touch, and the palpation process itself may cause discomfort or pain in the child.

Next step is to look into your child gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome which is an internal ecosystem of diverse microorganisms consisting of differing types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The microbiome is so crucial to human overall health that it is now considered in science as another organ inside the body. Billions of microorganisms colonize the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the stomach to the rectum. The presence and activity of these microorganisms is fundamental for health.

90% of disease can be linked to gut health including those involving systemic inflammation, - enlarged adenoids/tonsils is one of those.

There are various providers of functional GI microbiome testing around the world. Depending on where you are in the world I can refer you to a suitable laboratory to run one.

Feel free to let us know where you based in the world and we will share further details where to find such testing in your country.