Mucus in stool

Small amounts of mucus in the stool are not usually dangerous. However, in combination with other symptoms, it can be a symptom of a serious illness that requires medical care.

Causes

Mucus in stool can be harmless or it may be a sign of a more serious illness. Stomach problems can occur for many different reasons; stress, for example, is a common cause. It is important to pay attention to any other symptoms that may be displayed in combination with increased mucus levels. Blood-mixed mucus can be a sign of inflammation, diverticulum, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or, in the worst case, colon cancer.

Symptoms

Normally, a small amount of mucus in the stool is completely harmless, as long as it does not come in large quantities or is not connected to other symptoms. If the amount of mucus in the stool is significant and if it occurs in combination with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, weight loss or stomach pain, cramping, or bloating, it may be a sign of a serious illness. It could be IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colon cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the symptoms above and an increased amount of mucus in the stool.

Treatment

An increased amount of mucus can be the sign of several different illnesses that require special treatment, depending on the cause. To get the right care, a doctor must first diagnose the disease and only then can the right treatment be prescribed. It is important to contact a doctor as soon as you notice that you have other symptoms in combination with mucus in the stool.

When to consult a doctor

Without physical examination, it is impossible to say whether mucus in stool is a sign of serious illness or not. Problems with the stool can also occur due to gluten or lactose intolerance and only a doctor can diagnose this, following an investigation. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms in combination with an increased amount of mucus in the stool, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. If you suffer from a serious illness, it is important to detect it as early as possible.

How APPOTEK can help

If you are uncertain or worried about your symptoms, APPOTEK can help you with counseling and, if necessary, give a referral to another care provider. However, a physical examination must always be performed for the correct diagnosis.

Examiners:

Valeria Chernikova, Neurologist, M.D.