Mucus in stool is normal, but it’s not usually visible to the naked eye.
It may be blood-tinged, too.
Tell your healthcare provider about any blood-tinged mucus or other concerning symptoms.
Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee for Verywell Health
Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee for Verywell Health
1.
Ulcerative Colitis
Inulcerative colitis, the mucous membrane of the large intestine is inflamed.
It develops small sores called ulcers.
These ulcers can bleed and produce pus.
They can also make enough mucus to be seen in the stool.
It can have several causes, including a form ofulcerative proctitisthat’s related to ulcerative colitis.
Researchers aren’t sure exactly why the condition results in so much extra mucus.
Crohn’s Disease
Passing mucus in the stool is less common in people with Crohn’s disease.
Anal Abscess or Fistula
An abscess is an infection that creates a pocket of pus inside the body.
Anabscesscan become large enough to form a tunnel between two organs, or between the skin and an organ.
This is called afistula.
The abscess or fistula may drain mucus into the stool.
Abscesses and fistulas need treatment.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.
In some cases, the abscess will need to be surgically drained.
Bowel Obstruction
If something blocks your bowel, you may notice excess mucus in your stool.
Sometimes the blockage has to be removed surgically.
Ostomy
Some people who have had ostomy surgery (eitherileostomyorcolostomy) may pass mucus from the rectum.
With anostomy,stool leaves the body through the stoma, not the rectum and anus.
But the rectum still creates fluid.
If mucus builds up, it can cause discomfort and pressure.
This can be passed by sitting on the toilet.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosisis a genetic condition that causes the body to make too much mucus.
Cystic fibrosis can also cause constipation and abdominal pain.
The lifelong condition is usually diagnosed during childhood.
Mucus in your baby’s stool might be stringy or slimy and look green.
See your healthcare provider.
Diet and Dehydration
Dehydration can also lead to excess mucus in the stool.
It is likely to go away on its own unless dehydration is a chronic problem.
In these cases, treating the underlying problem may address the issue of too much mucus.
Researchers think high-fat and low-fiber foods may contribute to intestinal inflammation that alters mucus production.
Bacterial Infections and Food Poisoning
Some bacterial infections can cause mucus in the stool.
Some bacterial infections get better on their own without treatment.
Others may need antibiotics.
If you think you may have a bacterial infection, especially after traveling abroad, call your healthcare provider.
Changes in mucus can indicate an underlying health condition.
Discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
If you are first noticing mucus in stool, see your healthcare provider.
Diagnosing the cause will start with a thorough medical history.
They will ask what your bowel movements were like in the past and what has changed.
Your healthcare provider may also order some tests to help pinpoint the cause.
Treatment will depend on what’s affecting you.
Summary
Mucus is produced in the intestine, where it helps to foster a healthy digestive system.
Mucus in stool isn’t necessarily serious.
But excess mucus could mean that something new is happening in your digestive tract.
Some health conditions, including IBS or a bacterial infection, can ramp up your body’s mucus production.
So can anal fissures and bowel obstructions.
Mucus may appear in a baby’s stool too.
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