Mucus In Stool: Causes & Treatment Of Mucus In Stool
Mucus in stool is common, but an excessive amount is the cause of concern. So, know the symptoms, causes and treatment options to manage this condition better.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
The human digestive system breaks down food items, absorbs the nutrients and eliminates waste from the body. One of the by-products of this process is stool. It contains undigested food, water, bacteria and other substances, along with mucus. While mucus in the stool is normal, an excessive amount is a sign of underlying health issues. Therefore, knowing the causes of this condition, possible treatment avenues, and preventive measures helps in maintaining optimal gut health.
Causes of Mucus in Stool
The reasons for mucus in the stool can be different, ranging from infections to long-term diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here is more on that:
Infections
Digestive problems are common after infection from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These diseases can irritate the lining of the intestines, leading to swelling and too much mucus production. Gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and parasitic infections are all common cases.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
People who have long-term diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may have chronic intestinal inflammation. When the body tries to protect the walls of the intestines from this inflammation, it may secrete more mucus. People with IBD often have diarrhoea, gut cramps, and blood in their stool, along with excessive mucus.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent digestive disorder that affects bowel habits and increases mucus production in the body. It can lead to stomach pain, bloating, and inconsistent stools that often have phlegm. Stress, certain foods, or changes in hormones can usually set off IBS.
Other Potential Causes
Food intolerances (like lactose or gluten sensitivity), haemorrhoids, and even colon cancer can also cause mucus in the poop. Even though these situations aren't always dangerous, they should be closely monitored.
Dehydration and Low-Fibre Diet
Constipation may occur when insufficient water is consumed, or dietary fibre is lacking, leading to excessive mucus production in the bowels.
Symptoms Associated with Mucus in Stool
Symptoms like stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, etc., are signs of excessive mucus in the stool. So, here are the symptoms one should look out for:
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
The presence of mucus in stool may cause abdominal pain, particularly in individuals experiencing conditions like infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cramping occurs when the intestines' muscles tighten strangely because of irritation or inflammation.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Excessive mucus can lead to changes in bowel habits, such as alternating between diarrhoea and constipation, causing irregular stool patterns and digestive discomfort in affected individuals.
Blood in Stool
In severe cases, blood and mucus may be present in the stool. This can be a sign of dangerous conditions like haemorrhoids or colorectal cancer. Consulting a doctor is essential if blood is present in the stool.
Other Accompanying Symptoms
Other signs of irregular stools, in addition to mucus, may include bloating, feeling sick, losing weight, and fatigue. If these signs persist, individuals should consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of Mucus in Stool
A proper diagnosis includes examining the signs and possible tests to determine why mucus is present in the stool. Here is how this process works:
Medical History and Symptom Evaluation
A doctor initially reviews the patient's medical history and symptoms. This means asking about the person's food habits, recent illnesses, stress levels, and any history of gastrointestinal diseases in his/her family.
Laboratory Tests and Stool Analysis
A stool test is often the first thing doctors advise to determine why mucus is present in the stool. Lab tests can find infections, germs, parasites, or other problems that might be causing the mucus.
Imaging Studies and Endoscopy
It may be necessary to do imaging tests, like an X-ray, or more invasive treatments, like a colonoscopy in some serious cases. The doctor can look at the colon and rectum during a colonoscopy, which may help find problems like polyps or signs of cancer.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can also detect signs of illness, inflammation, or anaemia, especially if the stool contains excessive blood. These tests help doctors determine appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Options for Mucus in Stool
Treatments for mucus in the stool depend on what's causing it and how bad it is. Here are the possible options:
Medical Treatments and Medications
Treatment for mucus in stool depends on the cause. For infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals. They may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants for conditions like IBS or IBD to control inflammation and reduce mucus production.
Dietary Modifications
Changing one's diet can often help with mucus in the stool. Increasing fibre intake, drinking more water, and avoiding foods that worsen symptoms, such as spicy and greasy foods, can support bowel health and reduce mucus production.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
In addition to medical care, changing lifestyle habits, such as managing stress, exercising regularly, and getting ample sleep, can help manage symptoms effectively.
Surgery for Severe Cases
Colorectal cancer, polyps, or complications of IBD are just a few of the serious diseases that may need surgery.
Potential Complications
If the underlying causes of mucus in stool are left untreated, they can lead to significant health problems requiring close monitoring and treatment. This includes chronic inflammation, malnutrition, dehydration, or even severe gastrointestinal damage.
Individuals should consult a doctor immediately if they notice blood in the stool. Also, signs like unexplained changes in bowel movement and sudden weight loss need urgent addressing to avoid severe complications.
Additionally, people who have chronic mucus in their stools may have a lower quality of life. Due to constant pain, stomach problems, and irregular bowel movements, they fail to savour good food and have a normal life.
Prevention Strategies
Preventative measures focus on living habits and early detection to control mucus production and protect digestive health. To maintain digestive health, one should eat a fibre-rich diet, stay hydrated, manage stress, and exercise regularly.
Additionally, certain foods and habits can irritate the digestive system and lead to mucus production. So, it is important for individuals to avoid foods that cause discomfort, such as greasy or spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, to prevent upsetting their digestive health.
Therefore, regularly checking for early signs of stomach problems, like changes in the consistency of stools or pain in the abdomen, can help find problems early.
Conclusion
Having mucus in stool can indicate both minor and major health issues, including colorectal cancer. Occasional mucus in stool is usually not concerning, but individuals should consult a doctor if they experience chronic mucus along with other symptoms. Adjusting their diet and following prescribed medications can significantly improve their digestive health and manage symptoms effectively.
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