Long-Term Mucous Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns

Chronic mucous bloody stools

Hello Doctor: I have always had digestive issues and often drink coffee and milk tea.
About ten years ago, I started noticing mucus in my stool (clear mucus on toilet paper), and in the last two to three years, the mucus has become more frequent, almost present with every bowel movement.
It has changed from clear to clear with blood streaks, and then to a small amount of yellow liquid stool mixed with mucus and dark red blood.
Sometimes, I experience sudden abdominal pain after eating, and I often feel a dull ache in the left or right side of my abdomen.
In mid-May, I underwent minimally invasive surgery for appendicitis, which was confirmed by a CT scan at that time.
Recently, I have been experiencing burning pain in the right side of my abdomen (specifically in the lower right quadrant), which is tender to the touch, and the presence of blood and mucus in my stool has recurred.
Could you please help me understand what might be causing these symptoms? Is it due to poor lifestyle and insomnia? Could it be gastroenteritis? Or could it be a gynecological issue? (It happens to be around my ovulation period, and I have noticed yellowish discharge.) Thank you for your assistance.

Tina, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/11

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
I recommend starting with a light diet and maintaining a good daily routine.
If the symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication.
If there is still no improvement or if you are very concerned, you can arrange for a colonoscopy.
As for whether it is caused by gynecological issues, that is outside my area of expertise, so you may want to consult a gynecologist.

Reply Date: 2016/08/11

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, including the presence of mucus and blood in your stool, along with abdominal pain, can be indicative of several gastrointestinal issues. Given your history of gastrointestinal problems and recent appendicitis surgery, it is crucial to consider a few potential causes for your current symptoms.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can lead to the production of mucus and blood in the stool. These diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits. The presence of mucus, especially if it is mixed with blood, is a common symptom of these conditions.

2. Infectious Colitis: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause colitis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the presence of mucus or blood in the stool. If you have had recent gastrointestinal infections or foodborne illnesses, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when diverticula (small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon) become inflamed or infected. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, including the presence of blood or mucus in the stool.

4. Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures: These conditions can cause blood in the stool, especially if there is straining during bowel movements. While they may not directly cause mucus, they can coexist with other gastrointestinal issues.

5. Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Any source of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to blood in the stool. This could be due to ulcers, tumors, or other lesions in the digestive tract.

6. Gynecological Issues: Given that you mentioned your symptoms coincide with your ovulation period, it is also worth considering that gynecological issues, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis, could potentially cause referred pain to the abdomen and may coincide with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, to visualize the colon and obtain biopsies if necessary. Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may also be warranted to rule out any structural abnormalities or complications from your previous surgery.

In the meantime, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms closely. Keep track of any changes in your bowel habits, the appearance of your stool, and any associated symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or changes in appetite. Avoiding irritants such as caffeine and spicy foods may help alleviate some gastrointestinal discomfort.

In summary, while your symptoms could be attributed to several gastrointestinal or gynecological issues, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor, especially given the recurrence of your symptoms and the potential for complications.

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