Mucus In Stool

Causes

Several conditions can lead to visible mucus in the stool.

• Ulcerative Colitis : In ulcerative colitis, the mucus membrane of the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed and develops small sores that are called ulcers. These ulcers bleed and may also produce pus and mucus. The mucus may be voluminous enough that it can be seen as it is passed along with the stool.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome : The reasons why IBS may cause more mucus to be produced by the lining of the large intestine and excreted in stool haven't been studied extensively, so they're not well understood. Men with IBS tend to have mucus in the stool more commonly than women with IBS. Mucus is more often associated with diarrhea-predominant IBS than with constipation-predominant IBS or alternating type IBS (IBS-A).3 The current thought is that mucus in stool that's associated with IBS is not an indication of a major problem or a progression to a more serious disease.
• Crohn's Disease : Passing mucus in the stool is a less frequent occurrence in people who have Crohn's disease. If mucus is seen in the stool of a person who has Crohn's disease, it could be associated with developing an anal fissure.
• Anal Abscess or Fistula : An abscess is an infection that creates an area filled with pus inside the body. It's a problem that tends to occur more often in people with Crohn's disease, and particularly in the perianal area. Sometimes, in about 50 percent of cases, an abscess will get large enough to form a tunnel between two organs, or between the skin and an organ, which is a fistula. The abscess or fistula may drain mucus into the stool. Abscesses and fistulas will need treatment, potentially being drained and usually with the addition of antibiotics or other medications, particularly if there's a diagnosis of IBD.
• Ostomy : Some people who have had ostomy surgery (either ileostomy or colostomy) may find that they pass mucus from their rectum. Even though stool is leaving the body through the stoma, and not through the rectum and the anus, the rectum is still producing fluids. There could be mucus, which will need to be passed by sitting on the toilet. A build-up of mucus could cause discomfort and pressure.
• Bacterial Infections : Bacterial infections, such as those from bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia, may cause mucus to be passed in the stool. A bacterial infection may also cause symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Some bacterial infections may resolve on their own without treatment, but other cases may be serious and require treatment with antibiotics. If you think you may have contracted a bacterial infection, especially after traveling abroad, contact your healthcare provider.
• Bowel Obstruction : A bowel obstruction is associated with symptoms of constipation, severe cramps, abdominal distention, and vomiting, as well as the passage of mucus. A bowel obstruction could be caused by one of many conditions, such as impacted stool, adhesions (scar tissue), a hernia, gallstones, a tumor, or swallowing a non-food item. Obstructions are typically treated in the hospital, while surgery to remove the blockage is necessary in some cases.
• Cystic Fibrosis : Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can cause the overproduction of mucus in the body. This life-threatening condition most often affects the lungs, but the digestive tract can also be affected. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and is associated with other digestive symptoms such as constipation and abdominal pain.
• Mucus in Infant Stool : Seeing mucus in the stool of an infant could mean that the baby has an infection.4 It's going to be important to find out if it is truly mucus, because normal baby poop comes in all colors. Mucus in baby stool might be stringy or slimy and look green. Changes in infant poop should be discussed with a healthcare provider or pediatrician, because if there is an infection, it will need to be treated right away.
• Other Causes :
  • Mucus could be associated with constipation, which is a common problem. In that case, it might resolve on its own when the constipation is treated. **Dehydration is another common situation that could cause excess mucus in the stool, and again this would likely go away on its own unless the dehydration is a chronic problem. In these cases, treating the underlying problem may help in stopping the passing of mucus.

For some people, mucus in the stool may be something that only happens once. Still, it should be mentioned to your healthcare provider.

Home remedies

Please refer to separate items in Causes

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.