Mucus in stool may indicate health problems

A little mucus in your stool is usually nothing to worry about. Your intestines produce a small amount of this jelly-like substance to keep the lining of your colon moist and lubricated. However, if you notice an increase in the amount of mucus (regularly) or if you also see blood, it is best to see a doctor. This could indicate an underlying health problem.

Also read: Diverticulosis and diverticulitis: Are intestinal diverticula dangerous?

Causes of mucus in stool

• Crohn's disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Early symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, or excess mucus in the stool (due to a disrupted mucus barrier in the inflamed intestines).
• Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes a buildup of thick, sticky mucus in your lungs, pancreas, liver, or intestines. It can also cause mucus in your stool.
• Ulcerative colitis: A chronic condition that causes inflammation in the colon or rectum. If you have ulcerative colitis, you often have an increased amount of mucus, including in your stool.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Umbrella term for symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and altered bowel habits, when no other condition has been diagnosed. Mucus in the stool can be one of the symptoms of IBS that occurs along with diarrhea.
• Intestinal infection: by eating contaminated food you can get infected by bacteria such as salmonella and shigellosis. These bacteria are said to stimulate mucus production, causing slimy stools.
• Malabsorption problems: occur when the intestine cannot absorb certain nutrients properly. This is the case with lactose intolerance and celiac disease.
• Colon cancer or cancer of the rectum: This cancer begins in the colon or rectum and can cause symptoms such as blood in the stool, mucus in the stool, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

Also read: How does the population screening for colon cancer proceed and who can participate?

When to see a doctor?

Also read: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: 'Invisible symptoms, but major impact on daily life'

Treatment

• increase your fluid intake
• choosing foods rich in probiotics or taking supplements containing probiotics such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus
• maintain a balanced diet with sufficient fiber, carbohydrates and fats
• For people with chronic conditions, such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, medication and medical follow-up are necessary for life.

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