Mucus In Stool: Why It Happens And What Does It Mean

Did you know that your stomach can potentially digest itself due to the potent acid it produces? Thankfully, a thick protective mucus barrier prevents this from occurring. Without this protective layer, ulcers can develop, leading to poor digestion and abdominal pain symptoms.

This jelly-like substance also helps keep the lining of your colon moist and lubricated. Therefore, finding a small amount of mucus in your stool is typically not a cause for concern; it can be clear, white, or yellow. However, it’s essential to understand when the presence of mucus in your stool might indicate a problem.

Excess Mucus In Stool

When you notice a significant amount of visible mucus in your stool, it may signal an underlying digestive issue. This excess mucus can be accompanied by other symptoms, which could suggest a more serious condition. Symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, cramping, changes in bowel habits, or blood in the stool warrant a conversation with a gastroenterology specialist, especially if you observe an increase in mucus levels.

Possible Causes

Excess mucus in the stool often points to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Changes in mucus production can result from the mucosal layer in your intestines breaking down due to inflammation. This process may lead to mucus being expelled with your stool, giving pathogens in your colon easier access to your body and increasing your risk of illness. Several common conditions can lead to increased mucus levels:

• Intestinal Infection: Infections caused by bacteria or food-borne illnesses can result in mucus in the stool. For example, salmonella infections occur from consuming contaminated food or water. This is one of the most frequent mucus in stool causes.
• Crohn’s Disease: This inflammatory bowel disease affects the GI tract and can present symptoms such as diarrhoea and fatigue.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Similar to Crohn’s disease, this condition affects the large intestine or colon. Symptoms may include blood-stained mucus or mucus-containing stools during bowel movements. Patients with ulcerative colitis may also experience a frequent urge to defecate, fatigue from anaemia, and fever.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that disrupts normal large intestine function, potentially increasing the amount of mucus present in stool.
• Malabsorption Issues: Various disorders can lead to malabsorption, where the intestines struggle to absorb essential nutrients. Conditions associated with malabsorption include chronic pancreatitis, certain cardiovascular issues, and celiac disease.
• Colon Cancer: Also referred to as bowel or rectal cancer, it typically begins in the rectum. Symptoms can include constipation, persistent diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Cystic Fibrosis: This genetic disorder causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus, which can accumulate in the liver, lungs, and intestines, leading to respiratory and digestive complications. Patients with cystic fibrosis often experience respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and reduced stamina before digestive issues arise. Cystic fibrosis is one of the mucus in stool causes related to swallowing difficulties due to thick mucus in the mouth and food pipe.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria and flora in the intestines, leading to diarrhea and increased mucus in the stool.

Treatment Options

To address excess mucus in your stool, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history to guide diagnosis and treatment. Common tests may include stool cultures for bacteria and parasites, blood tests to check for infections, colonoscopies, endoscopies, and CT scans. Based on the findings, your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes, along with prescriptions to manage your condition effectively.

If you are concerned about excessive mucus in your stool, it’s important to seek medical attention from a gastroenterologist, especially if the issue persists for several weeks and is accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.