Addressing Digestive Concerns: A Teen's Guide to Gut Health

Abdominal concerns?

Doctor, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a few questions.
I am 16 years old, and my message is a bit long.

1.
Recently, I've been experiencing soft stools and indigestion.
My stools consist of undigested remnants of vegetables and fruits.
At first, they were somewhat formed, but they break apart when they come into contact with water.
Is there any way to improve this? I've been consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables lately.

2.
Doctor, back in middle school, my family often ate out, frequently having fried chicken and similar meals.
I didn't like eating vegetables and didn't think much about the risk of colorectal cancer from eating fried foods, so I didn't hold back.
I often bought fried chicken myself, sometimes three to four times a week, though not every week.
I mentioned this to my gastroenterologist, and he said that at my age, it's unlikely for me to develop colorectal cancer.
He also remarked that if I could get it at such a young age, what about others? During middle school, I was active, running and exercising as arranged by the school and teachers.
However, I've seen news reports of several young people aged 10 to 20 who passed away from late-stage colorectal cancer due to their love for fried chicken and barbecue, although these cases are quite rare.
Now that I'm in high school and aware of this information, I'm really worried about my past unhealthy lifestyle.
My doctor, upon hearing about my ongoing soft stools and indigestion, requested a stool occult blood test and blood work (since I had a stomach ulcer recently, and my weight dropped from 55 kg to 52 kg, though I'm unsure if it's due to the ulcer).
The report will come out tonight, and I'm genuinely concerned about my health.
My current symptoms include soft stools and gurgling sounds in my stomach, but I haven't seen any blood or experienced constipation.
There is no family history of colorectal cancer.
I'm currently eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and avoiding fried and grilled foods.
Is it too late to change my diet? I tend to get anxious, and I'm really worried, Doctor.
3.
Recently, I had to exert a lot of effort to produce a stool sample for the occult blood test, which caused discomfort and a dull pain in my anus and lower abdomen.
However, I've been feeling better in the past few days.
Doctor, could this discomfort be due to muscle strain from straining too hard?
4.
Doctor, I've always had a question: is it normal for there to be pain when performing anal contraction exercises? Thank you, Doctor.

1Lu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/09

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

1.
Supplementing gut bacteria may be beneficial; consuming yogurt can achieve this purpose.

2.
While the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 16 is not zero, it is generally very low.
Based on your description, there doesn't seem to be any specific issues, and consuming fried foods does not necessarily mean one will develop colorectal cancer, so there is no need to worry excessively.

3.
It is possible that bowel movements should occur naturally; forcing them can lead to discomfort in the pelvic muscles.

4.
Based on your description, it seems more like an anal fissure.
The typical symptoms include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight bleeding, often caused by constipation or diarrhea.
The fundamental treatment is to improve bowel habits, and warm sitz baths can also be helpful.
You can purchase hemorrhoid suppositories at the pharmacy for relief.
If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician.

5.
Yes.

Reply Date: 2017/06/09

More Info

It's great that you're taking an active interest in your health, especially at such a young age. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Soft Stools and Digestive Issues: It sounds like you're experiencing some digestive discomfort, particularly with soft stools that contain undigested food. This can happen when your diet is high in fiber from fruits and vegetables, especially if your body isn't used to it. While fiber is essential for digestive health, it's important to increase your intake gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust. You might also want to ensure you're drinking enough water, as fiber needs water to help form stools. If you're still having issues, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a nutritionist who can provide personalized advice.

2. Concerns About Diet and Cancer: It's understandable to worry about past dietary choices, especially with alarming news stories about health risks. However, it's important to remember that cancer is influenced by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Your doctor is correct; at 16, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is extremely low, especially without a family history. The key is to focus on making healthier choices moving forward, which you're already doing by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and avoiding fried foods. It's never too late to improve your diet and overall health.

3. Discomfort After Straining: If you experienced discomfort after straining to have a bowel movement, it could be due to muscle strain or irritation in the anal area. This is not uncommon, especially if you're not used to straining or if you're experiencing softer stools. It's important to avoid straining as much as possible, as this can lead to further discomfort or even hemorrhoids. If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult your doctor.

4. Pain During Anal Contraction: Experiencing pain during anal contraction (often referred to as "kegel" exercises for the anal muscles) can be normal for some individuals, especially if the muscles are tense or if there is any underlying irritation. However, if this pain is significant or persistent, it would be a good idea to discuss it with your doctor to rule out any issues.

In summary, you're on the right track by making healthier dietary choices and seeking medical advice for your concerns. Remember that your body is resilient, and with time and proper care, you can improve your digestive health and overall well-being. It's also important to manage stress and anxiety about your health; consider mindfulness practices or talking to someone about your worries. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider, as they can guide you based on your specific health needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A High School Student's Journey

Hello, doctor. I am a senior high school student. Due to concerns about my health, I often visit traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. However, for the past month or two, I have been troubled by gastrointestinal issues: 1. Frequent belching (more pronounced after meals, b...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Preliminary assessment suggests that the symptoms are likely due to gastrointestinal dysfunction and dyspepsia. It is recommended to improve the diet by increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, and reducing oil, dairy, meat, and irritating foods. If symptoms persist, a con...

Changing Bowel Habits: Understanding Digestive Issues in Teens

Hello, doctor. I am currently in the ninth grade. During the recent nationwide school closure, we switched to online classes at home. I’m not sure if it’s due to changes in my routine (like staying up later and exercising less), but my bowel movement schedule has shifted to the m...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may not necessarily be an illness. It could be the result of improper dietary habits or psychological stress. What can be changed is to pay attention to your eating habits, avoid irritating foods, engage in moderate exercise, and manage your mood. If there is no improve...

Understanding Digestive Issues: Concerns About Bowel Changes in Teens

I am currently 17 years old and preparing for my college entrance exams, but my health has been concerning me to the point where I can't focus on studying. I've been staying up late since around the second year of junior high, and recently, over the past week or two, I&...

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Student Wu: If there is no improvement, it is recommended that you visit a gastroenterologist for a detailed consultation and examination, which may help resolve your concerns. Director Cai Jin-ji, Gastroenterology Department, Nantou Hospital.

Understanding Constipation: Stress, Bloating, and Solutions for Teens

I am currently a ninth-grade student, and I have not been having regular bowel movements every day. Could stress be causing this? I also experience bloating, which prevents me from gaining weight. What can I do to improve this situation?

Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Jie, Hello! Generally speaking, the Department of Health's recommendations for a balanced diet include adequate fluid intake (about 8 cups or approximately 2000 cc per day), sufficient vegetables (around 3-6 servings), and a moderate amount of fruits (about 2 servings)...