Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Causes of Mucus in Stool

A small amount of mucus in stool is most of the time nothing to worry about. Stool normally contains a small amount of mucus, a jelly-like substance that your intestines make to keep the lining of your colon moist and lubricated. But you should definitely talk to your doctor if you notice an increased amount of mucus in stool, especially if it begins happening regularly or if it's accompanied by bleeding or a change in bowel habits. Larger amounts of mucus in stool, associated with diarrhea, may be caused by certain intestinal infections.

#Health #Fitness #HealthyLiving #Mucus
Source

Causes
The mucous membrane of the large intestine helps stool to pass. A "normal" bowel movement will not produce much mucus. Yellow or clear mucus is present in such little amounts that the naked eye would not notice it. When stool has visible mucus, it can be a sign of bacterial infections, anal fissures, a bowel obstruction, or Crohn's disease. This type of warning sign is the body's way of saying stop, look, and listen.
Other signs to look for:
  • Increased amounts of mucus
  • Blood or pus in the stool
  • Stomach pain, cramping, or bloating
  • Sudden changes in stool frequency, consistency, or color
Diagnosis
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for abnormal mucus in the stool. To treat the excess mucus, your doctor will need to diagnose and treat any underlying problems, which may be related to inflammation in your colon. If additional information is needed, your doctor may request more tests. These may include:
  • blood test
  • stool culture
  • urinalysis
  • colonoscopy
  • endoscopy