Finding mucus in your stool can be alarming, but it’s not always a cause for serious concern. Mucus is a jelly-like substance that is naturally produced by the lining of your intestines to keep it moist and lubricated, aiding in the smooth passage of stool. A small amount of mucus is usually normal. However, noticing a larger amount or a change in mucus accompanied by other symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue.
There are several reasons why you might observe increased mucus in your poop. Often, it’s related to minor and temporary conditions, but sometimes, it can signal something that requires medical attention. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine when it’s necessary to seek professional medical advice.
One common cause is food poisoning. Certain types of bacterial food poisoning, such as Salmonella and Shigella, are known to cause diarrhea that may contain mucus, and sometimes even blood. These infections trigger inflammation in the gut, leading to increased mucus production alongside symptoms like stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting.
Bacterial infections beyond food poisoning can also be responsible for mucus in stool. Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that can overgrow in the colon, often after antibiotic use, leading to colitis and mucus-containing stool. Campylobacter infections, often contracted from undercooked poultry or contaminated milk and water, and Yersinia enterocolitica infections, linked to undercooked pork, are other bacterial culprits that can result in mucus in your feces.
Parasitic infections are another category of infections that can cause mucus in poop. Parasites are tiny organisms that can invade your intestinal tract. Protozoa and helminths are the main types affecting the digestive system. These infections can cause dysentery, characterized by severe diarrhea with blood or mucus, along with nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, and unintentional weight loss.
Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts, common intestinal parasites
While less common, colorectal cancer is a more serious condition that can sometimes manifest with mucus in stool. Adenocarcinoma, the most frequent type of colorectal cancer, originates in the mucosa, which contains mucus-producing cells. Although excessive mucus is less likely to be a primary indicator of polyps or early colorectal cancer, persistent mucus along with blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. It’s important to note that colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of regular screening as recommended by your doctor.
Finally, anal fistulas and rectal ulcers can also lead to mucus discharge in the stool. Anal fistulas, abnormal tunnels connecting the anal canal to the skin around the anus, can develop post-abscess or as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They can drain mucus, pus, and blood. Rectal ulcers, open sores in the rectum lining often due to injury, can similarly cause mucus and blood to be present in your bowel movements.
If you notice a small amount of mucus occasionally, it’s often not concerning. However, if you experience a significant increase in mucus, persistent mucus, mucus accompanied by blood, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, fever, or weight loss, it is crucial to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
