Is Mucus in Stool a Red Flag? Discover the Hidden Signs!

What is Mucus in Stool?

The inner lining of your large intestines produces a slimy or sticky substance called mucus. This substance not only lubricates the digestive tract but also makes the passage of stool smooth. 

During bowel movements, the mucus gets released along with the stool. As its colour is mostly clear, you don’t notice it. However, certain infections may produce the mucus in large quantities and you may also notice pus or blood in it. Possible indications of bloody mucus in the stool are discussed below. 

Some worrying signs include: 

• Visible blood stains in the mucus 

• Stomach pain or constipation followed by bloody mucus

• Mucus released in larger amounts 

• Sudden changes in the colour, consistency, or occurrence of the stool

Common Causes of Mucus in Stool

Following are some of the common reasons for mucus in stool: 

1. Intestinal Irritation 

Your intestines may produce more mucus if your diet lacks fibre or hydration. Certain foods may cause irritation in the intestines which may force them to produce extra mucus as a defense mechanism. 

There is nothing to worry if the irritation is minor and goes on its own. However, if it gets severe and you feel pain while passing stool, consult a doctor immediately! 

2. IBD

IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. The symptoms of this condition include diarrhoea, excess mucus in the stool, and abdominal pain. 

Crohn's disease, a form of IBD, inflames the entire digestive tract from mouth to anus. As a response, the mucus layer becomes thicker which may make the passage of stool difficult. During flare-ups, the intestines produce less mucus which leads to complications like abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, constipation, and more! 

3. UC

UC or Ulcerative Colitis is also a form of IBD. The immune system of your body reacts to cause formation of ulcers in the large intestines. During flare-ups these ulcers bleed and you start noticing the presence of bloody mucus in the stool! 

Along with blood, you may also suffer from stomach cramps, severe pain, and bowel movements that are loose and urgent. 

4. Infections 

Infections due to bacteria, viruses, or parasite strains in food or water can also lead to intestine inflammation. The inflammation produces excess mucus which can be visible while passing the stool. Food poisoning is one of the most common examples of such infections resulting in the presence of mucus in the stool. 

5. Food Allergies 

Some people are allergic to milk, gluten, or any other dietary ingredient. Food allergies trigger a reaction which results in inflamed intestines. 

These allergies are one of the most common causes of stool with mucus. Once your digestive tract heals on its own or after taking some medicine, the amount of mucus in the stool will be considerably reduced. 

6. Piles 

Cases of piles or haemorrhoids are being reported on a large scale these days. The sedentary lifestyle and poor diet choices lead them to this condition. Irrespective of the reason, this condition may trigger irritation and excess mucus release while passing stool. The excess pressure exerted during passage of stools may also induce bloody mucus in the stool. 

7. Proctitis 

Proctitis is a condition that causes inflammation in your rectum’s inner lining. Apart from occurrence of pus in the mucus, this condition also leads to some other symptoms including:

• Urgent need to pass faeces 

• Pain in the rectum

• Bleeding

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Bloated rectum

8. Colorectal Cancer 

The term colorectal cancer refers to cancerous growth in the rectum or colon. Those diagnosed with this condition often see bloody mucus in their stool. Along with these signs, colorectal cancer also results in sudden weight loss. 

So, if you experience any changes in the stool along with a sudden weight loss, you must contact a doctor immediately, especially if there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family.