Mucus in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Introduction

Mucus in stool may sound unsettling, but it’s not unusual. It occurs when too much mucus, a jelly-like composition produced by the intestines, begins to occupy the stool or its environment. 

Containing mucus in stool is normal and can be helpful to protect and lubricate the intestines, but too much could be an underlying health issue, especially if followed by other symptoms. 

This article will help you understand the causes of mucus in stools, what it looks like, and how to treat it, and provide guidance on when to seek medical attention.

What is Mucus in Stool?

Mucus alone is a natural secretion that helps the smooth transition of stool through the gut. Usually, small amounts of clear or white mucus in stool are normal. Occasionally, a noticeable change—in quantity, increased bloody mucus in stool, or even colour—could presume something is wrong. Commonly associated conditions include infections and digestive disorders, highlighting the need for awareness and timely action.

Potential Causes of Mucus in Stool

Infections

Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections: Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and viruses causing gastroenteritis can lead to the appearance of mucus in stool with often accompanying symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, and mucus and blood in stool with abdominal pain.

Digestive Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Functional gastrointestinal disorders can cause symptoms such as bloating, intestinal pain, and faecal expulsion.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):  Inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to bloody mucus in stool due to chronic inflammation.

Coeliac Disease: Untreated coeliac disease can trigger excessive mucus production as a reaction to gluten.

Additional Reading: Here is an article from one of our specialists on how to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Gut Health Matters: How to Improve Life with IBS | HCG Hospitals 

Dietary Factors

Low-Fibre Diet: A diet that is not high enough in roughage might lead to digestive discomfort and mucous secretion. 

Food Sensitivities: Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods can irritate the digestive system, causing mucus secretion.

Symptoms Associated with Mucus in Stool

• Mucus and Blood in Stool: The presence of mucus and blood in stool can signal severe imbalances like IBD, GI bleeding, or colorectal cancer.
• Abdominal Pain: A lot of times, mucus in stool is accompanied by abdominal pain; this could be indicative of conditions like IBS or IBD. 
• Changes in Stool Colour: Bright red blood means it came from lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but darker blood points to a problem higher up in the digestive tract.
• Additional Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, fever, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue further could inform a doctor that the time has come for consultation.

Treatment Options for Mucus in Stool

Addressing the Underlying Cause

• Infections: These are usually treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics, depending on the pathogen.
• IBD: Treatments can often utilise corticosteroids, which can reduce the inflammation response in individuals who have weak immune systems, combined with some immunosuppressing drugs; treatments can even include biologics.
• IBS: The initial treatment for IBS could usually be partial dietary modifications along with intervention in stress and antispasmodics.

Dietary Changes

• Consuming a rich diet with fibres, eliminating trigger foods that cause the disorder, and keeping the body hydrated help improve stool consistency and control mucus excretion.

Home Remedies

• Eating food with probiotics and digestible foods and drinking enough water averts digestive disorders, and bananas and boiled rice can serve an ailment function.

Medications

• Over-the-counter options like anti-diarrhoeal agents and pain relievers may provide temporary relief but should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

• Persistent mucus and blood in stool.
• Acute abdominal pains or cramps. 
• Rapid weight loss, fever, or continuous symptoms for longer than a few days. 

The presence of mucus in the stool may be found in different cases, such as IBD and colorectal cancer. Early detection is important in measurements but is possible through procedures including stool tests, blood tests, colonoscopy, and imaging studies looking at the reason for the presence of mucus in stool. 

It would be helpful to consider visiting HCG Hospitals for full evaluation and treatment, where experts can offer a customised care plan.

Conclusion

Mucus in stool is a condition that can range from benign to serious; little mucus is found in the stool; increased amounts of mucus, blood, or other problem-related symptoms can often signal a need for medical assessment. The causes, awareness about possible symptoms, and treatment options can be instrumental in tracking symptoms of this condition. If you are experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Visit HCG hospitals, where you will get expert diagnosis and extensive care.