Is a calprotectin level of 1800 μg/L severe, and what disease does it indicate?

Fecal calprotectin at 1800 μg/L generally indicates a severe condition, possibly caused by inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The specific analysis is as follows:
Calprotectin has antibacterial and degradative properties and is resistant to breakdown by intestinal bacteria, thus accurately reflecting the severity of intestinal inflammation. Its normal range is typically 0–50 μg/L. A level of 1800 μg/L is significantly higher than normal, suggesting the presence of an inflammatory disease in the body, which is usually serious. Calprotectin is commonly used to differentiate inflammatory bowel diseases from functional bowel disorders. Functional bowel disorders often present with gastrointestinal symptoms but lack infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses, so calprotectin levels do not increase. In contrast, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease involve inflammatory infiltration, leading to elevated calprotectin levels.
Patients are advised to maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, and garlic. They should consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. If any discomfort occurs, they should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.