Families should also avoid trying treatments designed for conditions that have not been diagnosed.
A suspected bowel obstruction, for example, should not be managed with aggressive home remedies.
The safest response to persistent or worsening symptoms is appropriate medical assessment.
Creating an environment where teenagers feel comfortable speaking
Young people do not always communicate discomfort in a straightforward way.
Some describe themselves as tired instead of admitting they are in pain.
Others lose interest in meals, stop participating in activities, or become unusually withdrawn.
Adolescents may also hesitate to discuss bowel habits or behaviors that they find embarrassing.
Parents can help by asking calm, specific questions without criticism.
Rather than dismissing a complaint, they can ask how often it occurs, whether it has changed, and what activities it affects.
Open conversation is particularly important when symptoms may be associated with emotional distress or repetitive behaviors.
A teenager struggling with hair pulling or hair eating may need professional assistance, not punishment.
