Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns

Q: Abnormal Bowel Movements: Mucus, Blood, and Concerns

Hello： The presence of blood upon wiping is mostly from the anal area, and it could be due to anal fissures or hemorrhoids. <br>It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and not to consume only certain types of food. <br>Since you are young, the likelihood of developing color

Mucus, feces, pellet-like stools, and possible presence of blood?

Hello Doctor: I will be 16 years old in a few months.
About a year ago, one morning I suddenly felt the urge to have a bowel movement.
As soon as I got to the bathroom, I had a loose stool, and there was some mucus attached when I wiped.
However, I have always had regular bowel movements before bed, but since that day, I have felt the urge to have a bowel movement every morning.
I often pass thin, short yellow stools, sometimes several at once (taking a long time to finish).
Occasionally, I have loose stools like I did at the beginning or dark, grainy stools.
Less frequently, I have normal-sized yellow stools, and every day when I wipe, I see clear mucus.
Previously, I would occasionally feel the urge to go but couldn't.
Recently, this situation has increased.
I eat mostly vegetables, fruits, and eggs, and I don't often consume unhealthy foods.
However, in the past few months, I have noticed blood (I'm not sure if it's blood) on the toilet paper a couple of times, but I haven't seen any yellow color.
This makes me very worried that I might have colon cancer at a young age.
I would like to ask the doctor what is happening to my body.
(Note: Bowel habits - prolonged and straining; Wiping habits - squatting on the toilet and applying pressure while wiping.)

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/26

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The presence of blood upon wiping is mostly from the anal area, and it could be due to anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and not to consume only certain types of food.
Since you are young, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is very low.
However, if the bleeding persists, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/08/26

More Info

Your concerns about abnormal bowel movements, mucus, and blood are valid, especially given your age and the changes you've experienced. Let's break down the symptoms you've described and explore potential causes, while also addressing your worries about serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

Firstly, it's important to understand that changes in bowel habits can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and gastrointestinal conditions. You mentioned that you have been experiencing frequent urges to defecate, often resulting in loose stools or small, thin stools. This could be indicative of several conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is common among adolescents and can lead to changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation.

The presence of mucus in your stool is also noteworthy. Mucus is a normal component of stool, as it helps to lubricate the intestines. However, an increase in mucus production can occur in response to irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This could be due to dietary changes, stress, or an underlying condition such as IBS or even an infection.

Regarding the occasional presence of blood, it's crucial to differentiate between bright red blood (which often indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures) and darker blood, which could suggest bleeding from higher up in the digestive tract. Given your age, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is extremely low, but it’s understandable to be concerned, especially with a family history of gastrointestinal issues.

The fact that you have noticed blood only a few times and that it is accompanied by mucus suggests that it might be related to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, especially if you are experiencing straining during bowel movements. Straining can lead to small tears in the anal lining, resulting in bleeding. Additionally, your diet, which consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, is generally healthy, but if it lacks sufficient fiber, it could lead to inconsistent stool formation and straining.

Here are some recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
1. Dietary Adjustments: Ensure that you are consuming enough fiber. While fruits and vegetables are great, incorporating whole grains, legumes, and nuts can help improve stool consistency and reduce straining.

2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements.

3. Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help stimulate bowel function and reduce stress, which may contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Bowel Habits: Try to establish a regular time for bowel movements, and avoid straining. If you feel the urge to go, don’t delay it.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including the frequency of blood in your stool and any associated pain or discomfort. If the blood persists or if you experience significant changes in your bowel habits, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

6. Consult a Doctor: Given your symptoms and concerns, it would be wise to see a gastroenterologist. They may recommend tests such as a stool analysis or a colonoscopy to rule out any serious conditions and to provide peace of mind.

In summary, while your symptoms can be concerning, they are more likely related to benign conditions such as IBS, hemorrhoids, or dietary factors rather than something as serious as colorectal cancer. However, it’s essential to seek medical advice to ensure proper evaluation and management. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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