Mucous Blood in Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Attention

After experiencing diarrhea, the discharge is thick, foul-smelling, and contains blood?

I would like to ask the doctor, I started experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea one or two days ago.
However, I don't have to run to the bathroom constantly; it improves after resting.
But after each episode of diarrhea, I pass a thick, foul-smelling liquid with streaks of blood that is a light yellow-brown color.
I have had similar situations before.
Is there a need for an examination?

iris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/07

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

1.
[Passing thick, foul-smelling, bloody stool after diarrhea] may occur following an episode of acute gastroenteritis, which could be due to bacterial gastroenteritis or possibly viral gastroenteritis.
Of course, there are many other conditions that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis, including upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, colon ulcers, colon polyps, chronic infections, colorectal cancer, and other causes.
Clinically, a more detailed history and physical examination are necessary, and further imaging or laboratory tests may be required to establish the cause.
2.
Since you have experienced this phenomenon for the second time, it is advisable to have a more detailed discussion with your primary care physician or to seek assistance directly from a gastroenterology specialist.

Reply Date: 2016/03/07

More Info

When experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea accompanied by mucous blood, it is essential to understand the potential implications and when to seek medical attention. The presence of mucous blood in your stool can indicate a variety of gastrointestinal issues, some of which may require prompt medical evaluation.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Mucous Blood in Stool: The presence of mucus and blood in your stool, especially if it has a foul odor, can be concerning. Mucus is a normal secretion in the intestines, but when it appears with blood, it may suggest inflammation or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Possible Causes: There are several potential causes for your symptoms:
- Infections: Bacterial infections (such as those caused by Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter) can lead to diarrhea with blood and mucus. Viral infections can also cause similar symptoms.

- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon may also present with similar symptoms.

- Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures: These can cause blood in the stool, although they typically do not present with mucus.

3. Severity of Symptoms: The severity and duration of your symptoms are critical factors in determining whether you should seek medical attention. If your diarrhea is persistent, if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination), it is crucial to seek medical care.

When to Seek Medical Attention
You should consider seeking medical attention if:
- Duration: Your symptoms persist for more than a couple of days without improvement.

- Severity: You experience severe abdominal pain or cramping.

- Fever: A high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C) accompanies your symptoms.

- Dehydration: Signs of dehydration are present, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or decreased urine output.

- Blood Volume: The amount of blood in your stool increases or changes in color (dark red or black).

- Previous Episodes: If you have had similar episodes in the past, it may be worth investigating further to rule out chronic conditions.

Diagnostic Approach
If you decide to seek medical attention, your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Stool Tests: To check for infections, parasites, or blood.

- Blood Tests: To assess for signs of infection or inflammation.

- Imaging Studies: Such as a CT scan if there is suspicion of diverticulitis or other structural issues.

- Endoscopy: In some cases, a colonoscopy may be necessary to visualize the intestines directly and obtain biopsies if needed.

Conclusion
While occasional diarrhea with mild symptoms may resolve on its own, the presence of mucous blood is a sign that warrants further investigation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by other concerning signs. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

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