Mucus in diarrhea can be caused by ulcerative colitis, intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, obstructions, or growths. Recurring or persistent mucus-related diarrhea should be checked by a medical professional for prompt treatment.
The most common causes of mucus in diarrhea are ulcers that have become inflamed, a condition known medically as ulcerative coilitis, and infections somewhere along the intestinal tract. In some cases, irritable bowel syndrome may also be a cause, and more rarely, blockages or growths are to blame. A small amount of mucus isn’t always a cause for concern in and of itself. Medical experts usually recommend that people get checked if the problem recurs, or if it seems like a lot of mucus comes out with each pass. Persistent mucus-related diarrhea could be a sign of a serious problem, and prompt treatment is often essential when it comes to finding a cure.
Mucus basics
Humans and many animals produce mucus in a couple of different parts of the body, most often as a means of facilitating cell movement. It is commonly seen during respiratory illnesses, when the sinuses and lungs produce it to help flush out harmful bacteria and particles. Healthy people also produce it in the digestive tract, however, and it has an important role to play when it comes to helping move solid waste through the intestines and eventually out of the rectum. Diarrhea is generally a sign of some intestinal discomfort, however, and the presence of mucus often signals that there may be a bigger problem. At the same time, in some cases it is simply a symptom of the irritation and will go away on its own as the diarrhea passes.
Coilite ulcerosa
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days is usually a cause for concern, especially if it contains visible amounts of mucus. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common causes. In these cases, the mucus comes from inflammation in the colon, which can lead to an ulcer. Ulcers are basically sores or patches of weakened and damaged tissue that become so irritated that they cannot heal. The intestines often produce extra mucus to protect these areas, but it doesn’t always work. If the ulcers rupture, pus and sometimes even blood may leak into the stool.
Intestinal infections
Inflammation can also occur due to an infection somewhere in the intestines. This can happen due to injury or an accident, but it could also be caused by eating foods that contain harmful bacteria or that haven’t been cooked or cleaned properly. Diarrhea and mucus overproduction generally both subside once the immune system takes care of the underlying infection, but depending on how severe it is this could take some time.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that often causes diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and an upset stomach. Mucus in diarrhea is common for many IBS patients, at least sometimes. IBS is sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat because of how much a person’s symptoms can change from day to day. There is usually no cure, but there are many things people can do to ease major ailments. Most focus on changes in diet and exercise.
Obstructions and growths
Intestinal blockages could also cause you to release mucus with diarrhea. Sometimes the obstruction is related to stool, as in the case of extreme constipation; in these cases the diarrhea often occurs as a means of letting something out around the lump and often mucus is generated to help try and force the lump open. The two can mix relatively easily.
Growths are another possibility. Tumors or cysts that form on the intestinal walls could trigger excessive mucus production. This often happens in cases of colon and colorectal cancer. Each is relatively rare, and in most cases, there are many other symptoms besides mucus. However, this is often one of the first signs that a person realizes that something is not right inside.
When to ask for help
People experiencing diarrhea mixed with mucus should usually get medical advice, particularly if the condition lasts for more than a few days. It might go away on its own, but if you don’t get help it might be your best bet. Prolonged diarrhea, with or without mucus, is generally considered medically problematic, and getting to the root of it sooner rather than later can make treatment easier, and in some cases can actually be life-saving.
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