Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice

Stool with mucus and blood streaks?

Hello, doctor.
I used to have severe constipation, and if I didn't drink a lot of yogurt or eat specific fruits (like pineapple or dragon fruit), I would only have a bowel movement every 4 to 5 days, often with some mucus present in or on the stool.
Recently, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, I've been eating pomelo every day, which has made my bowel movements regular (I go to the bathroom the morning after eating).
However, in the past couple of days, my stool has been both coffee-colored and dark red, with the dark red stool sometimes appearing loose.
I initially thought this was related to eating red dragon fruit a day or two ago.
This morning, after using the bathroom, everything was normal except for the dark red stool (again, I had eaten dragon fruit the day before).
However, tonight I suddenly experienced some abdominal bloating and excessive gas.
When I tried to use the bathroom, I couldn't have a proper bowel movement, and when I strained, I only passed coffee-colored mucus that had streaks of blood.
I have a history of hemorrhoids but have never experienced bleeding before.
Seeing the mucus with blood streaks tonight has made me a bit worried about the possibility of colon cancer.

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/06

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dragon fruit has a significant impact on the color of stool.
If this factor is eliminated and similar symptoms still occur, a consultation with a colorectal surgeon is necessary.

Reply Date: 2018/10/06

More Info

When it comes to understanding mucus and blood in stool, it's essential to recognize that these symptoms can arise from a variety of conditions, some benign and others more serious. Your history of constipation, the presence of mucus in your stool, and the recent changes in color and consistency of your stool warrant careful consideration.

Firstly, the presence of mucus in stool is not uncommon, especially in individuals who experience constipation. Mucus is produced by the intestines to help facilitate the passage of stool. However, if you notice an increase in the amount of mucus or if it is accompanied by blood, it can indicate an underlying issue that requires further investigation.

The dark red and coffee-colored stools you mentioned can be concerning. Dark red stools may suggest bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, while coffee ground appearance can indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The fact that you are also experiencing abdominal bloating and the passage of mucus with blood streaks adds to the complexity of your symptoms.

Given your concerns about colorectal cancer, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. While your symptoms could be related to dietary changes or benign conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures (especially considering your history of internal hemorrhoids), they could also indicate more serious conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer.

Here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to seek medical attention:
1. Duration and Severity of Symptoms: If you have persistent symptoms such as blood in your stool, significant changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain that does not resolve, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.

2. Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to other symptoms such as weight loss, changes in appetite, fever, or fatigue. These can be red flags that warrant further investigation.

3. Family History: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases, this increases your risk and the need for early evaluation.

4. Age and Risk Factors: Individuals over the age of 50 or those with risk factors such as a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease should be particularly vigilant about changes in bowel habits.

5. Dietary Changes: While dietary changes can affect stool color and consistency, if you notice persistent changes that do not correlate with your diet, it is wise to seek medical advice.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to dietary changes or benign conditions, the presence of blood in your stool, especially when accompanied by mucus and other gastrointestinal symptoms, should not be ignored. It is advisable to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, preferably a gastroenterologist, who can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and possibly imaging or endoscopic procedures to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing any potential gastrointestinal issues effectively.

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