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Question - Diagnosing Children with IBD

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/19/2019 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
So I am trying not to freak out, but my oldest child came to me the other day and said they were passing large amounts of mucus. No diarrhea, aside from the occasional. Nothing else has changed. No pain or blood. This has been going on for about a month. Primary care ordered stool testing to check for blood and fecal white blood cell count. I am awaiting results but am not sure where to take it from here if nothing comes back. I suggested to the doctor that I make an appointment with a pediatric gastro but they said to hold off on that for now. I am not sure the stool test was in-depth enough either as they only ordered those two tests.
Posted 2/19/2019 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Try not to stress. It could be something they ate. I know it's difficult to not think the worst, but the doctor is right, maybe it is nothing. I think the FCP is a good starting place. If it comes back normal, it's unlikely there is inflammation.
Posted 2/19/2019 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Is mucus the only symptom? I wouldn't worry about an IBD with only mucus as a symptom, as that's much more of an IBS thing. Certainly worth checking it out, but I wouldn't go to worst case scenarios smile
Posted 2/19/2019 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Just mucus that sort of falls out as they are trying to pee. Everything else is normal.
Posted 2/19/2019 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
My younger son gets this from time to time. I totally freaked out, but it seemed to always happen after an illness of some sort and when he eats certain foods (or drinks any kind of juice). Because he had Kawasaki's Disease when he was 2.5 (immune response to a virus that causes the vascular tissue in the body to swell), our pediatrician is super cautions with him. We had stool tests, blood work, and everything but a visit to the GI. Pedi concluded that this is just his "normal" and may just have a sensitive digestive system. It also happens if he gets super constipated, thankfully he is ok with fruit and veggies so we keep the big C at bay with those. Hope everything turns out ok for your kiddo. Keep us posted.
Posted 2/19/2019 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with others that mucus by itself, even in the child of an IBD patient, is not a sure sign of IBD. But the inability to hold the mucus when peeing is suggestive of something like urgency. If this mucus incontinence while peeing continues, maybe further workup could be considered.
Posted 2/19/2019 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
As a routine I'd try to limit NSAIDs and antibiotics with any child of a parent with an IBD, we know those can be triggers.

Mucus is a normal production of a digestive tract. I'd get tested just for your own personal reassurances.
Posted 2/21/2019 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Mucus is suggestive of allergies or slight food intolerances.

I have a friend who is severely gluten intolerant, and whilst chatting poop one day he told me he has mucus with most BM’s

I feel for you, it is such a worry with the kids. Every tummy upset has me in whirl of panic these days.

But you are on top of it and no what to look out for, so way ahead of the game in that sense!

It is more likely to be nothing. Just remember that.

Maybe you could start them on a probiotic to see if it helps at all?
Certainly shouldn’t do any harm.

Sending you positive wishes
Posted 2/21/2019 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
How old is your child and M or F?

A probiotic and adding fibre capsules with meals is a good start.

I remember having that when I was around 8ish....I did gave some gastro illness with diarrhea and vomitting not too long before that...but it continued occasionally for at least a month afterward. I never told my mom, though, and did have mucus accidents sometimes....oooo goooey gross.

Let us know the outcome of the testing. I think it's a good idea to see a specialist if stool testing hasn't brought anything to light.

q
Posted 2/21/2019 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
If the tests come back negative then I recommend breathing easy, not worrying, and telling the child to keep you posted if anything changes in his/her poops.

If you wanted to pursue further testing, then I'd do:

1.) Gastrointestinal Pathogens Panel stool test (might be a single test name, or a series of separate tests that check for the things listed). Checks for viruses, such as norovirus or adenovirus. Checks for bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella or Clostridium difficile. Checks for parasites, such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium.

2.) Fecal Caloprotectin stool test for intestinal inflammation.

I would not proceed to a pediatric gasteroenterolgist, unless inflammation is found, infections are negative, and blood is seen in stool. Assume that if you go to a gastero then a colonoscopy is what you're asking for (as in it is probably IBD) otherwise do not bother.
Posted 2/21/2019 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. The episode has stopped for now so I have relaxed a bit. @Q, I prefer not to share too much family info. But I was worried because I also remember having an episode like this as a child and wondered if it was a triggering event or maybe even a first flare. Still waiting on test results.
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