Mucus in the Stool

Presence of a small amount of mucus in stool is natural and normal. This mucus is meant for lubrication of the intestinal walls, so as to facilitate easy expulsion of stools. But, an increased amount of mucus in the stool is not at all normal and such a condition warrants immediate medical attention. There are various medical conditions that can cause this symptom and so, it is always better to get the underlying cause diagnosed and treated at the earliest.

What is Mucus?

Mucus is a slimy secretion produced by the mucous cells in the mucous membrane that lines body cavities and canals. Mucus is also produced by other organs like lungs. The mucus produced in the lungs performs the function of trapping inhaled foreign particles and pathogens, thereby protecting the organ from damage. In case of the digestive system, mucus helps passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach, where it protects the inner lining from damage that can be caused by the acidic environment. As it is slippery in nature, mucus makes the inner lining of the intestine very smooth, thus acting as a lubricant, and helps in transportation of stool to the anus. So, normally, stools will contain a small amount of mucus that may not be noticeable. In some cases, the level of mucus in stools increases and this could be a symptom of certain medical conditions, that are discussed below.

What Causes Excess Mucus in Stools?

Excess mucus in stool usually indicates a medical condition associated with the digestive system, especially the colon. The following are some of the common causes for the condition.

Ulcerative Colitis: In this pathological condition, the mucous membrane in the epithelial lining of the large intestine and rectum becomes inflamed, leading to formation of ulcers. At a later stage, these ulcers start bleeding and produce pus and mucus. This increased amount of mucus is thrown out of the body via stool. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that may produce symptoms like abdominal pain and cramps, rectal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Apart from the mucus, pus and blood may also be there in the stool.

Bacterial Infection: Naturally, certain amounts of bacteria and yeast are present in human intestine to facilitate the digestion process. Introduction of bad bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, or Yersinia, to the digestive system, may affect the natural setup of the system. These pathogens can affect the normal function of the system and cause symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhea with mucus, fever, etc. Most of the time, no specific treatment is required and the condition will resolve on its own, but should be monitored continuously. If it doesn't improve on its own, then treatment with antibiotics may be required.

Bowel Obstruction: This is a condition that is caused by physical or functional obstruction of the bowel. Such obstruction stalls the transit of digested food or waste, thereby causing symptoms like severe abdominal cramps, abdominal distention, constipation and vomiting. Bowel obstruction is one of the commonly found reasons behind presence of mucus in stool. Bowel obstruction can be caused by various reasons like losing gastric hormone balance, low water intake, increased yeast formation, etc. In some cases, the condition may develop due to anatomical obstruction that requires surgery to be cured. Whatever may be the cause, the condition is considered as a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): As with ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome is also a medical condition that can cause increased levels of mucus in stools. In some people with IBS, diarrhea is predominant, whereas in others constipation is found to be prevalent. It has been observed that mucus formation is higher in those with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Apart from mucus in stool, other symptoms of this condition are abdominal pain and discomfort, cramps, bloating, etc.

Crohn's Disease: This is another type of inflammatory bowel disease that usually affects the intestines. Characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestine (or the affected part), this condition is caused by overactive immune response of the body. Crohn's disease can cause symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Mucus in stool is one of the symptoms associated with this condition. However, lesser amount of mucus production is associated with Crohn's disease.

The above said are some of the common causes for excess mucus in stool. Apart from those mentioned above, there are certain other conditions that can cause this symptom. They include anal fistulas, rectal ulcers, anal fissure, viral gastroenteritis, cancer of the intestine, food allergies and intolerance, etc. Although the passage of mucus in stool is not always a dangerous or alarming situation, it should be mentioned to your doctor. The presence of mucus without any significant cause should also be diagnosed properly. Usually, the most common reasons behind the presence of mucus in stool are food allergies, sensitivities and bacterial overgrowth. They can be easily cured with the help of dietary modifications and supplements. If the problem is associated with bacterial overgrowth, the situation may worsen with intake of sugar. On the other hand, people suffering from food allergies react to specific foods only. The mode of treatment may vary with the underlying cause.

If there is no specific underlying cause, then this condition can be remedied with herbal demulcents and by increasing intake of water. Both of them can soothe the irritated epithelial lining of intestine which can result in quick relief. Slippery elm or marsh mallow are said to be effective demulcent herbs. Even a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of finely ground flaxseed can make a demulcent tea that can work wonders! It will be better to seek the opinion of your doctor, before opting for such home remedies. In case you have other symptoms like fever, blood in stools, decreased urination, increased thirst, extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, etc., seek immediate medical attention.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.