Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

There is mucus when passing gas and stool?

This morning, as usual, I went to the bathroom and felt a release of gas, which made me feel like something else came out.
I thought it was stool, so I wiped with toilet paper and noticed some white, slightly transparent mucus.
I looked it up online and became worried about a possible illness.
At school, I went to the bathroom again and passed some stool, but there was mucus alongside it, and the color seemed different—transparent white with streaks of blood—and the shape was not normal.
After returning to class, I felt some abdominal pain, so I went to the bathroom once more.
The stool was still not in a normal shape, but I didn't see any mucus this time, although I felt like there was some.
I'm unsure about what's happening.
Could you please help me understand? I have a photo from the first time I went to the bathroom.

Guo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/29

Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine

It should be normal colonic mucus.
If there are symptoms, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and a fecal occult blood test.

Reply Date: 2020/12/29

More Info

Understanding mucus in stool can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits. Mucus is a slippery substance produced by the intestines to help lubricate the stool and facilitate its passage through the digestive tract. While a small amount of mucus in stool can be normal, an increase in mucus, especially if it is accompanied by blood or significant changes in stool consistency, can indicate underlying health issues.

In your case, the presence of white, somewhat transparent mucus, especially with blood streaks, is noteworthy. This could suggest several potential conditions. Here are some common causes of mucus in stool:
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This functional gastrointestinal disorder can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation. Mucus may be present in the stool, particularly during episodes of diarrhea.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucus in the stool. Blood in the stool can also occur in these conditions.

3. Infections: Gastrointestinal infections, whether viral, bacterial, or parasitic, can lead to increased mucus production as the body attempts to fight off the infection. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever.

4. Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures: These conditions can cause blood in the stool and may also lead to mucus production as the body responds to irritation or inflammation in the anal area.

5. Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: Although less common, the presence of mucus and blood in the stool can be a sign of more serious conditions such as polyps or colorectal cancer, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or significant changes in bowel habits.

Given your symptoms of abdominal pain, changes in stool consistency, and the presence of mucus and blood, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly diagnostic tests such as stool tests, blood tests, or imaging studies. These assessments will help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

In summary, while mucus in stool can be normal in small amounts, the presence of significant mucus, especially with blood and abdominal pain, warrants further investigation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to address your concerns and ensure that any potential underlying conditions are diagnosed and treated promptly.

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