Phlegm in stool can indicate inflammation or infection, such as hemorrhoids, IBS, bacterial infections, intestinal blockages, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. Treatment options vary from increased hydration and dietary fiber to surgery, medications, and alternative therapies.
A certain amount of phlegm in the stool is normal, because the mucus is naturally used to lubricate the intestines. An excess amount is typically an indicator of inflammation or infection. Hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal blockages and bacterial infections are among the most common causes, but they could also be an indicator of more serious gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
While internal hemorrhoids are unlikely to cause any discomfort other than bleeding, external hemorrhoids can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, including pain, itching, bleeding, and swelling. Phlegm in the stool will often be an early indicator of the condition. Most hemorrhoids are generally benign and most cases can be cured with increased hydration and dietary fiber. More severe cases of hemorrhoids may require surgery.
Mucus in the stool is a normal consequence of irritable bowel syndrome because the intestines will naturally produce more mucus as part of the inflammation. In some less severe cases, IBS is treated with a bowel movement, but the cause is usually not known. IBS could be associated with an infection or it could start without any visible catalysts. For chronic cases, patients generally need to resort to long-term therapies and treatments to relieve the symptoms of the disorder.
Bacterial infections could lead to increased mucus production in the intestines. These infections are typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Although some infections may be benign enough to pass on their own, other serious cases can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Intestinal blockages can have a variety of causes. Phlegm in the stool is one of many generally more serious symptoms, which also include constipation, vomiting, abdominal distension and severe cramps. Most cases of intestinal obstruction need to be treated in the hospital, and surgery may be required in severe cases.
Colitis refers to an inflammation of the colon and sometimes the entire large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is most associated with phlegm in the stool, because ulcers in the intestines form excess mucus and pus that must pass through the body. Medications are the standard treatment for colitis, but surgical removal of the entire large intestine may be required in severe cases. Alternative therapies have also been attempted, such as dietary changes involving herbs, antioxidants, and certain fats and oils.
Crohn’s disease can affect the tissues that directly surround the digestive tract. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, the most common being abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea and bloody stools or phlegm. Crohn’s disease has the potential to become extremely serious, but there is no definite drug or surgical treatment. A variety of medications, surgeries, and alternative therapies are available to help control symptoms.
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