Mucus is a viscous, slippery substance produced by the physique’s mucous membranes, which serves as a protecting layer for varied organs, together with the digestive tract. It helps lubricate and moisten tissues, serving to waste move easily by your colon. However what if it exhibits in your stool? Have you ever seen mucus in your poop? Properly, mucus in stool is widespread as a result of a few of it could actually persist with your poop when it leaves your physique. Nonetheless extreme quantities can point out gastrointestinal points. Listed here are all of the causes of mucus in stool.

9 causes of mucus in stool

A bit mucus and noticing it every now and then is probably not a purpose to fret. Nonetheless, in the event you discover mucus in your poop every day, it could possibly be due to these 9 causes:

1. Inflammatory bowel illness (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel ailments like Crohn’s illness and ulcerative colitis can result in elevated manufacturing of mucus within the intestines. “Irritation within the digestive tract disrupts the conventional mucosal lining, inflicting extreme mucus secretion into the stool. This may also be accompanied by different signs resembling belly ache, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding,” says Gastroenterologist Dr Pratik Tibdewal.

2. Infections

Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can set off the manufacturing of mucus because the physique’s protection mechanism. Infections resembling gastroenteritis, brought on by pathogens like norovirus, Salmonella, or Campylobacter, can lead to mucus within the stool together with signs like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Gastroenteritis

“Acute gastroenteritis, generally often called the abdomen flu, can even end in elevated mucus manufacturing because the physique’s protection mechanism towards infections. This situation is usually accompanied by signs resembling diarrhea, belly cramping, and nausea,” explains Dr Tibdewal.

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4. Meals intolerances

Sure meals intolerances, resembling lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, can result in irritation within the intestines, inflicting extra mucus manufacturing. When the physique has problem digesting sure meals, it could reply by producing extra mucus as a protecting barrier. Eliminating set off meals may help alleviate signs.

Additionally learn: Blood in stool: Why it occurs, when must you fear and what to do

5. Polyps or tumours

“Growths inside the GI tract, resembling polyps or tumours, could cause adjustments in mucus manufacturing. If you’re experiencing mucus in your poop every day, you need to seek the advice of together with your healthcare supplier,” suggests Dr Tibdewal.

6. Bowel obstruction

In instances of bowel obstruction, the place the conventional passage of stool is hindered, mucus might accumulate within the intestines. This will happen resulting from varied components, together with adhesions, tumors, or impacted feces.

7. Proctitis

Proctitis refers to irritation of the rectal lining, which might manifest as both short-term or continual. Its hallmark symptom is a frequent and pressing urge to bowel motion. Moreover, people with proctitis might discover the discharge of mucus or pus from the rectum, a symptom which will want instant medical consideration.

8. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins within the rectum or anus that may trigger discomfort and bleeding throughout bowel actions. Along with bleeding, hemorrhoids can even end in mucus in your poop. The presence of mucus could also be an indication of irritation or irritation within the anal area because of the presence of hemorrhoids.

9. Drugs

Sure medicines, significantly those who have an effect on the GI tract, might contribute to adjustments in mucus manufacturing. People experiencing persistent mucus of their stool ought to seek the advice of their healthcare supplier to evaluate medication-related results.

Together with mucus in your stool, in the event you additionally discover signs resembling indigestion, abdomen ache, diarrhoea, and lack of urge for food, seek the advice of together with your physician instantly for well timed remedy.