The presence of mucus in stool is actually normal. It is made by the intestines to keep the colon lining moist. However, if the mucus amount increases, it could be indicative of other diseases.
Reasons Why Mucus Amounts Increase
This usually happens in cases of diarrhea or constipation. This extra amount will disappear once the illness has disappeared. But if the increased mucus content persists for several weeks, it is symptomatic of another ailment.
Other reasons why mucus may increase are health conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If these diseases are the underlying cause, the mucus will have blood in it. Rectal bleeding may also occur.
Other Causes of Mucus in Stool
The mucus can also be brought about by bacterial infection, bowel obstruction or some sort of anal fissure.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
If a person is afflicted with ulcerative colitis, the mucus membrane around the intestines gets ulcers. As the ulcers bleed, they generate more mucus. The visible mucus is carried by the stool.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
In this case, extra mucus is produced in the intestinal lining. The
extra mucus is carried by the stool.
Bacterial Infections
There are several types of bacterial infections that can lead to an increase in mucus. These include Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter and Shigella. Aside from increasing the mucus in stool, these bacterial infections also cause other illnesses.
They include fever, stomach pain and diarrhea. The treatment usually consists of antibiotics. In some cases, the infections may disappear without any treatment.
Facts about Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction can refer to stomach cramps, constipation vomiting and distention. These conditions are usually marked by an increase in mucus as well. There are several possible causes for bowel obstruction. In most instances, the condition is treated in the hospital. If the case is severe, surgery may be required.
Mucus without Apparent Cause
If there is no clear reason why the mucus is increasing, report it to your doctor immediately. If you have irritable bowel movement and there is mucus, it isn’t a cause for alarm. However it must be mentioned to the doctor.
Other possible causes of mucus in stool are eiverticulitis and celiac disease. According to alternative medications, excessive mucus is caused by bacterial overgrowth.
If there is bacterial overgrowth, the condition worsens if one eats pasta, rye, milk, bread and sugar. Mucus may also increase if people eat foods they are allergic to.
Natural and Alternative Treatment
A doctor will be able to prescribe the patient medication if mucus growth is due to celiac disease, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and other ailments. Natural treatments include drinking plenty of water and taking demulcent herbs like slippery elm.
Drinking a demulcent tea can also help reduce mucus. This is made by adding a cup of water for every teaspoon of ground flaxseeds. This should be soaked overnight.
The presence of mucus in stool is usually no cause for concern. But in some cases it can be, and knowing the possible causes will help you get the right cure.