Extreme "brain fog," paranoia, depression

[hawk2416]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Gastroenterology/Brain-fog-in-conjunction-with-gas/show/998305
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Respiratory-Disorders/Back-pain--trouble-breathing/show/996791

Please read these other two posts recently.

My gassy symptoms usually come in the evening, but it doesn't seem to be related to dinner or eating. During this period, I experience intense brain fog, not being able to think properly, and, today, depression. I randomly experienced intense guilt of past mistakes, paranoia that I had a mental disorder, etc. During/after this episode I experienced my nightly "gas buildup" which, after a bowel movement, passed. I have been told that this could be "teenage, hormonal growths" or such, but I have never come into contact with any other person my age with these symptoms.
Please help. I am absolutely terrified about what this could be. I understand it is rare for a teen of my age to have such symptoms. Please note that I was recently given azithromycin to help my breathing problems, but the pills are all gone, however the doctor noted that it could stay in my body for up to ten days. This is the tenth day, and also when the problem has been the worst.
I thank you sincerely for your time and your observation into my condition.

[hawk2416]

Thank you for your cheerful response! It was very reassuring and I feel a little better.
However: I am fairly certain that the "little bit of bronchitis" that the doctor diagnosed has passed. I believe these chest pains/tightness are related to the excessive gas, as they are relieved after I frequently burp. This is very stressful and confusing.
Is celiac disease a possibility? My sister was diagnosed almost ten years ago and I have heard that it is very hereditary. While at the ER, they did four or five blood tests (which all came back fine) however I'm not certain for what. Is it very likely that they tested for celiac?

[ggreg]

I read your other posts.  Your breathing problems are because you had bronchitis.  Your recent digestive problems with pain when you have a bowel movement is because of the antibiotics.  The reason you have a lot of gas is because you are waaay too thin for your height, so your eating habits might be doing this to you.  By the way, many teenagers feel depression and anxiety, it is indeed the hormonal rush that comes with your developing body that does this.  Research and statistics bear me out, and most teens will not openly discuss how much fear they're carrying around inside, so that's how come you haven't found anybody like you.

Once your bronchitis goes away, your breathing problems should subside.  The puffer you've been using, by the way, can make the heart beat fast and thus make you feel more anxious than usual, so when your lungs are clear, you can stop using the puffer.  Also, bronchitis is an awful breathing problem and can make you feel really down and out of it, so make sure you doc does a checkup and gives you the all-clear.

When you finish the last of all the antibiotics, you should go to either the grocery store or a health food store and get some Acidophilus milk or any product that has that on the label, like some yogurts have it, and also there are "probiotic" products in pill form.  Consume those for two weeks, it'll restore the normal "good" bacterial flora to your guts that the antibiotics kill off.  This will end the painful bowel movements.

The probable reason you have gas is because, since you are rather thin, you may not be getting enough food to eat.  People are supposed to eat at least three times a day, and protein should be in their diet, dark green salads, whole grains, and milk.  Of course fresh produce like vegetables and fruit are good for you, too.  You should not eat one huge meal a day... rather smaller amounts thruout the day.  You should also not drink a lot of soda pop, the bubbles in them will give you gas.  Also, a very important thing I noticed in all your posts is:  You need to drink lots of water daily.  Not just one or two glasses, but four or five at least.  Make it a habit.  Some of your symptoms come directly from not being well-hydrated.

Lastly, the best cure for the depression and anxiety, that comes from your hormonal changes, is to exercise, exercise, exercise.  You must get out and do a sport that you like several times a week, like jogging, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, soccer, biking, just anything that will rev up your body engine.  When you get a good warm movement thing going, it releases feel-good endorphins... runners talk about this really pleasant zone they get into after a couple miles.  Those endorphins are the best feel-good drug around, and all just by exercising to where you break a sweat.  But be sure to drink lots of water when you finish up your activity.

All older adults have been where you are, they remember exactly what it was like to be you, so if you want to, talk to a minister or a school counselor or trusted adult or parent if you get overwhelmed again with all this, and they'll give you plenty of sympathy and help, to get you out of your doldrums.  I feel for you, but at least you came here to get some help, because what I'm saying is all really true and should help you quite a bit.  And keep in mind, some of the things I'm saying you may already be doing quite well, but if there's any bit left that you aren't doing, please try those out before you just trash it and give up.

Focus on every little good thing in your life, use your time well to study subjects you like, and use the tremendous energy of youth to build a lifetime of good habits in the physical activity realm.  And the old saying, "This too will pass," is something even us oldsters cling to when life gets a little rough around the edges.