Abdominal Symptoms: A Teen's Guide to Digestive Health

Abdominal concerns?

Hello Dr.
Ke, I am 16 years old.
I previously asked you a question referenced in #124261.
I apologize for bothering you again, and I appreciate your patience with my lengthy message.
1.
Last time, I mentioned that my stools were almost soft with remnants, but there has been improvement, and they now have a shape.
However, a few days ago, I noticed a small amount of mucus, resembling nasal mucus, attached to the stool.
There was no blood or very thin stools.
Is it normal to have mucus? If not, what could be the possible causes? I asked my classmates if they experienced this, and one mentioned that she only has this issue when she stays up late and has an irregular schedule.
Recently, due to final exams, I have been staying up late almost every night.
Could this be the reason?
2.
Regarding my previous weight loss, I noticed yesterday that I seem to have lost more weight, going from 52 kg to 51.7 kg.
The nurse measured me at 50 kg, and two months ago, I was 54.9 kg.
One day, I had coffee and stayed up all night, and the next morning after another cup of coffee, I had severe stomach pain that made it hard to eat.
On the day I went to the hospital, I was a boarding student and moved my luggage home, and I was so exhausted that I didn't eat.
Before going to the hospital, I only had breakfast.
I wonder if this is why my weight dropped again.
I am currently being treated for a gastric ulcer and have been in treatment for two months.
After that day, my stomach started to feel uncomfortable again.
I heard the doctor say that eating fried foods does not necessarily cause colon cancer, which reassured me a bit.
Besides eating potato chips during exam week, I really avoid fried foods.
The school provides very little fiber, so I bring fruits to supplement my fiber intake.
My diet has significantly improved; I used to hardly eat vegetables, but now I try to eat them whenever possible.
Is it too late to improve my diet? I have concerns about my weight.
Could avoiding fried foods be affecting my weight? I am worried about why my weight keeps decreasing.
Could it be due to the gastric ulcer or my irregular sleep schedule? Also, sometimes I experience pain in my lower abdomen that comes and goes.
Why does this happen?
3.
The fecal occult blood test I had last time was negative, and I took multiple samples.
My blood tests were also fine.
My attending physician said not to worry too much and that for my age, it’s sufficient to use the stool test for now.
I wanted to share these reports for your reference.
4.
The lower abdominal pain I mentioned last time has improved after a few days, but I still occasionally feel discomfort, though it's not as painful as before.
5.
Thank you very much, Dr.
Ke, for your patient responses.
I truly appreciate it.

1Lu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/24

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

1.
The presence of mucus in the stool is often caused by prolonged bowel movements leading to mucosal congestion.
Intestinal tumors or inflammation can also cause this, but at this age, these are usually not serious issues.
Caucasians may experience rare cases of Crohn's disease at this age, which is an autoimmune condition affecting the intestinal mucosa, but it is less common in Eastern populations.
It is advisable to start with a light diet and reduce the time spent on bowel movements.
Spicy, irritating, and fatty foods should be avoided.
If symptoms persist without improvement, a physician may prescribe medication or recommend a colonoscopy.
2.
It is possible that stress is causing abnormal intestinal motility, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also a common cause.
If improvement cannot be achieved through the aforementioned methods, it may be necessary to seek medical attention for further examination and treatment.
If needed, antidepressant medication may also be required.

Reply Date: 2017/06/24

More Info

Understanding abdominal symptoms, especially in teenagers, can be quite complex due to the interplay of various factors including diet, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Based on your detailed description, let’s address your concerns systematically.

1. Presence of Mucus in Stool: It's not uncommon to notice mucus in your stool occasionally. Mucus is produced by the intestines to help lubricate the passage of stool. However, if you see an increase in mucus or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, it could indicate an underlying issue such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infections, or inflammation. Given that you mentioned increased stress and irregular sleep patterns due to exams, these factors can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Stress can lead to changes in gut motility and may contribute to the production of mucus.

2. Weight Loss Concerns: Weight fluctuations, especially in teenagers, can be influenced by various factors including diet, physical activity, and stress levels. The weight loss you’ve experienced could be attributed to several reasons: inadequate caloric intake due to not eating regularly, the effects of your current treatment for peptic ulcers, or even stress-related changes in appetite. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet, especially during stressful periods like exams. If you’re eating less due to stomach discomfort or anxiety, this could certainly contribute to weight loss. Additionally, caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, especially if consumed on an empty stomach, potentially leading to discomfort and reduced appetite.

3. Abdominal Pain: The intermittent nature of your lower abdominal pain could be related to several factors. Given your history of gastrointestinal issues, it might be linked to your IBS or the ongoing treatment for your ulcer. Stress and anxiety can also manifest as physical symptoms, including abdominal pain. It’s important to monitor the pain: if it becomes severe, persistent, or is associated with other concerning symptoms (like significant changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or severe weight loss), you should seek medical attention.

4. Dietary Changes: It’s great to hear that you are making conscious efforts to improve your diet by incorporating more fiber and avoiding fried foods. Dietary changes can have a significant impact on digestive health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall gut health. It’s never too late to make positive changes, and these adjustments can help alleviate some of your symptoms over time.

5. Follow-Up and Monitoring: Since your previous tests for blood in stool were negative and your doctor has reassured you, it’s essential to continue monitoring your symptoms. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are important, especially if you notice any new symptoms or if your current symptoms worsen. Keeping a symptom diary can also be helpful in identifying triggers and patterns related to your diet, stress levels, and bowel habits.

In conclusion, while some of your symptoms may be related to stress and dietary habits, it’s important to remain vigilant and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any changes. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can significantly contribute to your overall digestive health. If you have further concerns or if symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can lead to better outcomes.

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