Question 1

What is Intestinal Disease?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal disease encompasses conditions affecting the small and large intestine, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, infections, and malignancies. It is caused by autoimmune responses, bacterial infections, genetic factors, or tissue damage that triggers inflammation and enzyme release. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for detecting intestinal tissue damage and inflammation.

Question 2

What causes intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal disease is caused by a combination of autoimmune responses, bacterial or viral infections, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. In celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune attack on the small intestine lining. Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, results from abnormal immune system responses that cause chronic inflammation. Bacterial infections like Salmonella, E. coli, or Clostridium difficile can damage intestinal tissues and disrupt normal digestive function.

Question 3

What is the best test for intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for intestinal disease because it detects specific enzyme forms released when intestinal tissues are damaged or inflamed. Elevated intestinal alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes can indicate celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal cancer, or other conditions affecting intestinal health. This specialized test identifies intestinal tissue damage that may not show up on routine blood work, making it essential for early detection. While imaging and endoscopy are often needed for complete diagnosis, this blood test provides crucial information about the extent of intestinal inflammation and helps guide treatment decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool. Testing is also important if you have a family history of celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, or if you notice symptoms like bloating, cramping, and fatigue after eating certain foods. Early testing helps identify intestinal problems before they lead to serious complications like malnutrition, intestinal bleeding, or permanent tissue damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal disease symptoms include chronic diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating and gas, and unexplained weight loss. You might notice blood or mucus in your stool, persistent nausea, or loss of appetite. Many people also experience fatigue, anemia from nutrient malabsorption, and fever during flare-ups. Symptoms vary depending on the specific condition but often interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Question 6

Who is at risk for intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis have significantly higher risk. Your risk increases if you have other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease. Smoking, high-fat diets, chronic stress, and frequent antibiotic use can trigger intestinal problems. People of European, Middle Eastern, or Jewish descent have higher rates of inflammatory bowel disease, while celiac disease is more common in those of Northern European ancestry.

Question 7

What happens if intestinal disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated intestinal disease can lead to severe malnutrition as damaged intestinal tissues fail to absorb essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of intestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and perforation requiring emergency surgery. Long-term inflammatory bowel disease raises your risk of colon cancer, while untreated celiac disease can cause osteoporosis, infertility, and neurological problems. Persistent inflammation may also lead to fistulas, abscesses, and permanent intestinal damage that affects your quality of life.

Question 8

Can intestinal disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests play a crucial role in detecting intestinal disease by measuring specific enzyme markers and inflammatory indicators released by damaged intestinal tissues. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test identifies intestinal tissue damage, while other blood tests can detect anemia, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammation markers. However, comprehensive diagnosis typically requires combining blood tests with imaging studies like CT scans or MRI, and often endoscopy with tissue biopsies to confirm the specific type of intestinal disease.

Question 9

How is intestinal disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the specific condition but often includes anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce intestinal inflammation. For celiac disease, a strict gluten-free diet is essential to prevent further damage. Inflammatory bowel disease may require biologic medications that target specific immune system proteins causing inflammation. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, while dietary modifications, probiotics, and nutritional supplements help manage symptoms and correct deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

Question 10

How can I prevent intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

While genetic factors cannot be changed, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber while limiting processed foods and red meat. Avoid smoking, which significantly increases inflammatory bowel disease risk and worsens symptoms. Manage stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques, as chronic stress can trigger intestinal inflammation. Practice good food safety and hygiene to prevent bacterial infections, and use antibiotics only when medically necessary to protect your intestinal microbiome.

Question 11

What can I do at home for intestinal disease?

Accepted Answer

Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods that worsen your symptoms and eliminate them from your diet. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive stress, and stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to support healthy gut bacteria. Apply a heating pad to your abdomen to relieve cramping and pain. Get adequate rest during flare-ups, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, and take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements to address nutritional deficiencies.

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:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

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.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

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.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            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.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

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!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Intestinal Disease Blood Test

What is Intestinal Disease?

What causes intestinal disease?

What is the best test for intestinal disease?

When should I get tested for intestinal disease?

References

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