Red mucus in stool. Stool with mucus: causes of loose stool with mucus in adults. General treatments

Any intestinal disease causes psychological discomfort in both children and adults. The presence of unusual impurities in feces cannot be ignored. If some symptoms are harmless, then in some cases a change in the consistency of stool, including excess sputum, indicates a serious malfunction.

Manifestations of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are many-sided and feces with mucus are a common symptom. Doctors recommend not to perceive such a sign as the norm, especially with accompanying changes in the condition of the body. Only a comprehensive diagnosis will make it possible to understand how serious the consequences can be.

What is mucus

We are talking about a jelly-like substance that is produced by ducts running in the intestinal walls. This substance protects the gastrointestinal tract from the negative influence of pathogenic flora in the form of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. As a result of secretion, the internal space is lined with a kind of barrier layer. This preserves the correct function of digestion and ensures the normal progression of the processed lump up to the anus.

The presence of mucus in feces is normal, provided its concentration is maintained within acceptable limits. Negative mechanisms have been launched in the body that require timely intervention from the outside if the impurity is detected in excess or has an opaque color:

• Yellow.
• White.
• Pink.
• Brown.
• Greenish.

When does mucus appear in stool?

The main reasons for this disorder are associated with the development of an infectious-inflammatory or oncological process, a sharp change in diet, including both the quality of products and their quantity.

It is important to exclude the following pathological conditions:

• Polyposis or hemorrhoids. A feature of both diseases is the secretion of glandular secretions separately from the feces. In the latter case, a characteristic hard ball is additionally felt in the anal area. Touching it leads to pain.
• Membranous colitis– a lot of mucus is found in the stool, foreign impurities look like long dense threads, similar to helminths.
• Intestinal infection. The veins turn yellow or green, general weakness, muscle and bone aches, and fever appear. Painful spasms occur in the navel area.
• Formation of tumors in the colon. Both benign and malignant processes are possible. The condition worsens already in the later stages of the disease. Mucus in the stool of an adult comes out along with bloody inclusions.
• Diverticulitis or hernia. We are talking about the development of an inflammatory process in the large intestine as a result of protrusion of its area. The violation is accompanied by loose stools, in which bloody streaks are visible. An additional symptom is excessive gas formation.
• Irritable bowel syndrome, caused by improper gastrointestinal motility, which leads to inadequate digestion of food. One of the root causes of the negative phenomenon is the development of gastritis or enteritis against the background of a bacterial infection.
• Dysbacteriosis. Mucus, instead of feces or together with feces, is released in excess due to a violation of the microflora, which directly affects the synthesis of sputum.
• Cystic fibrosis. Pathology of genetic origin occurs with damage to most internal organs capable of producing secretions. Features of the disease are putrefactive processes in the intestines, increased salivation, and frequent urge to go to the toilet.
• Intestinal obstruction as a result of the proliferation of connective tissue and the development of adhesive disease.
• Prolonged constipation.

Other common causes of mucus clots in stool:

• Intolerance to a certain group of foods.
• Lactase deficiency.
• Fasting or protein deficient diet.
• Excessive amounts of coarse fiber products in the diet.

Negative symptoms can also be triggered by rice, oatmeal, bananas, and cottage cheese consumed the day before.

Urgent medical attention is required if the following signs are present:

• White or yellow mucus and remnants of undigested food are visible in the stool.
• There is pale skin, dizziness, and aversion to meat products.

Accurate diagnosis of the disease

To draw up a detailed clinical picture, the doctor examines the patient and inquires about his diet and diet. After this, a number of events are planned:

1. Analysis of stool to identify pathogenic microorganisms in it. To choose adequate treatment with antibiotics, you need to know exactly the type of causative agent of the disease.
2. Studying mucus in laboratory conditions. A clinical and biochemical study is carried out to identify the level of leukocytes, indicating a progressive inflammatory process. The presence of red blood cells is also assessed.
3. If you suspect gastric damage or duodenum, FGDS is prescribed. An ultrasound is performed to examine the abdominal organs. The list can be supplemented with an X-ray examination using contrast - a barium mixture.
4. Study of the intestinal lumen through rectoscopy. This technique is indicated for suspected polyposis, neoplasms or hemorrhoids.

Mucus with blood

If the stool is colored black or contains viscous masses of a characteristic red hue, there is a serious disorder that requires urgent treatment at a medical facility. The color of mucus is affected by the following conditions:

• Crohn's disease, malignant tumors - lumps interspersed with blood, scattered veins are determined.
• Rectal cancer and hemorrhoids occur with the appearance of pathological clots in the stool. Often traces of phlegm are clearly visible on toilet paper.
• Polyposis, proctitis, gastric ulcer - are accompanied by the release of a jelly-like substance.
• Intestinal or respiratory infection - mucus and blood have a watery consistency.
• Cirrhosis of the liver, varicose veins, gastric cancer - the secreted secretion turns scarlet.
• Ischemic colitis - many specific secretions are visualized.

Treatment and elimination of mucus

The doctor selects a suitable treatment regimen based on the diagnosis. The first priority is organizing the diet. Fibrous foods are excluded from food, and a balance is maintained between incoming lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. It is also necessary to avoid fatty, seasoned foods and preserves. Abuse of chocolate and flour products is also not allowed.

Medicines are selected depending on the diagnosis:

As for specific medications, the following medications are indicated for adults:

• Interferon - used if the cause of the disease is a virus.
• Furazolidone - helps eliminate loose stools due to intestinal infection.
• Amphotericin B - indicated for candidiasis and other fungal infections, which are characterized by white mucus in the stool.
• Bifiform - used to eliminate dysbacteriosis.
• No-spa - used to relieve inflammation and spasms.
• Contrical is included in the treatment regimen for pancreatic pathology.

Simultaneously with drug and diet therapy, the drinking regime is reviewed, increasing the amount of fluid entering the body. An effective addition to these activities are traditional medicine recipes. You can choose the following options:

• Black pepper. Before going to bed, swallow 15–20 peas. Take this medicine with a glass of strong unsweetened tea or clean boiled water.
• Herbal infusion. Wormwood, chamomile, and St. John's wort cope well with stool disorders.

Mucus in a child's stool

Separately, it is necessary to consider changes in stool consistency in infants. A similar problem is common among babies who are introduced to their first complementary foods. Similar symptoms are characteristic of the initial stage of a bacterial infection. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor body temperature every day, pay attention to behavior and appetite.

If pronounced clots of mucus are detected in the child’s stool, stool culture is prescribed to differentiate between dysbiosis and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. When liquid masses come out and there are signs of dehydration, placement in an infectious diseases hospital is required.

Intestinal intussusception becomes a dangerous pathology for the baby. We are talking about partial obstruction as a result of indentation of a segment of the wall. The child suffers from severe pain both during and after eating. In addition to mucous stool with red streaks, fountain vomiting is diagnosed. As a rule, within 24 hours, bowel movements turn into a mixture of sputum and blood.

The disorder can be eliminated only by performing a barium enema. Lack of timely treatment is fraught with dehydration, painful shock, and sepsis.

Less dangerous causes of mucus in a child’s stool include:

• Taking antifoaming agents to eliminate colic.
• Lactase or gluten deficiency. Feces with this disorder are liquid; in addition to sputum, lumps of milk or mixture are found in them. They cope with the disease by choosing the right baby food.
• Allergic reaction.
• Rhinitis.

Prevention

Like most other diseases, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are easier to prevent than to cure. Preventive measures are not difficult.

Mucus is always present in the stool of an adult. This light or clear jelly-like discharge consists primarily of epithelial cells and white blood cells. In small quantities they are necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines. But if a lot of mucus appears in the stool of an adult, this may indicate the presence of pathology.

Transparent or white mucus in the stool of an adult indicates functional or organic lesions of the intestine, mainly in the distal sections. Most often, this phenomenon is a defensive reaction to irritation of the intestinal walls by pathogenic microorganisms or foreign substances. In this case, mucus serves as a kind of lubricant, which promotes their rapid removal.

Yellow mucus in the stool of an adult is a symptom of hemorrhoids and polyps. With its help, the body prevents damage to the mucous membrane. Mucus in the form of dense transparent or yellow films and ribbon-like strands indicates membranous colitis. Also, this phenomenon is often observed in cases of malabsorption of various foods, hypothermia in the pelvic area and during long-term use of antibiotics that destroy beneficial microflora.

A large amount of mucus or even mucus instead of feces in an adult can also appear with diseases such as:

In some cases, visible white, yellow or brown mucus in an adult's stool may be normal. Very often this happens with a runny nose and colds. This phenomenon is due to the fact that mucus from the respiratory tract always flows down the esophagus and, entering the intestines, is excreted in feces.

It is also absolutely normal when mucus appears due to excessive consumption of various foods: oatmeal, cottage cheese, watermelon or bananas. Mucus in stool is a normal reaction of the body to dramatic changes in diet and regular drinking of raw water from an untested source.

Methods for getting rid of mucus in the stool of an adult

Before starting treatment, you need to find out why mucus appears in the stool of an adult. If this happened due to intestinal infectious diseases, then you need to take nitrofuran drugs:

• Furazolidone;
• Enterofuril;
• Ersefuril.

Is mucus caused by viral intestinal lesions? Kipferron, Viferon and various rehydration agents (Regidron or Gidrovit) are used in treatment. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, treatment is symptomatic. It must include a diet, any antispasmodics and remedies for constipation (for stool retention).

If examinations have shown that blood mucus in the stool of an adult is not a symptom of ischemic colitis or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, then antiseptics (for example, Furazolidone, Enterofuril, Vancomycin) and probiotics (Linex, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin) will help get rid of this phenomenon.

From the article you will learn the features of the appearance of mucus in the feces of adults, the causes of discharge, types, methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Mucus in the stool of an unusual color is a serious reason for examining the gastrointestinal tract; the pathology indicates an inflammatory process or hypersecretion of the glands of the digestive tube in order to protect the epithelium from toxins or damaging elements.

general information

Normally, the presence of mucus in the digestive system in moderate quantities is a physiological process. The secretion is necessary to protect the intestinal mucosa from toxins and mechanical injuries from dense fecal matter or dietary fiber, and to facilitate bowel movements.

Mucus is constantly secreted in the digestive system, since the adult body forms a bolus of food in real time and removes it through the anus to the outside. These are dead epithelial cells. Inflammation or intoxication changes the consistency of the secretion, its quantity, composition, and the result is:

• violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane, cracks;
• bleeding;
• hemorrhoids are formed;
• mucus plugs form;
• impurities of various types appear.

Depending on the pathology, the secretion of the intestinal glands may differ in color and shape:

• white mucus in the stool or its transparent version in large quantities indicates pathological changes in the distal parts of the intestine;
• yellow – the result of taking antibiotics, the formation of polyps;
• gray – problems of the descending department;
• green – bacterial infection;
• pink – suppuration;
• black – tumor process;
• small flakes of undifferentiated color – pathology in the small intestine;
• admixture of blood - erosive and ulcerative processes of the mucous membrane, cracks, hemorrhages.

Causes of pathology

The trigger for hypersecretion of mucus in men and women can be for different reasons: lifestyle, eating habits, diseases. The most common causes of secretion are:

• drinking water with impurities dangerous to the mucous membrane of the food tube;
• rough, poorly digestible food;
• fasting or dieting;
• hypothermia;
• constant use of medications;
• swimming in cold water;
• alcohol;
• stress;
• smoking;
• unwashed vegetables, fruits;
• unbalanced diet.

Stool and mucus cause diseases:

• irritable bowel syndrome with vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation;
• imbalance of intestinal microflora;
• tumors of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Crohn's syndrome;
• sensitization of the body;
• infections;
• inflammatory processes.

Discharge in stool may be the result of:

• helminthiasis;
• viral pathologies;
• exacerbations of respiratory diseases;
• hemorrhoidal disease with complications;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• intestinal polyposis;
• inflammation of the pancreas, large intestine;
• colitis of spastic origin;
• diverticulosis;
• proctitis and paraproctitis;
• cystic fibrosis.

Clinical manifestations

Symptoms of pathological secretion of the glands of the mucous membrane of the digestive system are varied, since they are caused by many reasons. But the main clinical, visually distinguishable manifestation is still the color and consistency of the mucus.

White mucus in stool

Viscous white discharge, reminiscent of jelly, in the stool of an adult indicates inflammation of the rectum, dysbiosis, mycosis of the rectum, irritation of the mucous membrane by microorganisms or poorly digested foods. Rough food or infection can provoke cracks, an allergic reaction, and exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Mucus instead of feces

If instead of formed feces during defecation, mucus plugs that imitate snot come out of the anus, this means the inability of the digestive system to correctly form a bolus of food and pass it along the entire length of the intestine. Excessive irritation of the mucous membrane causes hypersecretion in a volume that the anal sphincter is unable to hold. The flow of mucus is accompanied by abdominal pain and hyperthermia.

The most serious situation is that which indicates a violation of the integrity of the intestinal mucosa as a result of erosive and ulcerative processes, tumors. There may be blood in the stool. The danger lies in the development of uncontrolled bleeding, anemia, and cancer metastasis.

Yellow slime

The yellow color of the discharge indicates the presence of pus in the stool, the development of inflammation, the addition of secondary flora against the background of polyps, hemorrhoidal disease, dysbacteriosis, and intestinal infections.

Transparent slime

This is the safest option for hypersecretion of the glands of the mucous membrane of the digestive system. The reasons may be smoking, taking medications, coffee, hunger. The most dangerous is the development of spastic or membranous colitis. An examination by a specialist is required.

Pink slime

Pink secretion is a dangerous situation that most often occurs due to liver cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, Crohn's syndrome, allergic colitis, intestinal varicose veins of various locations, and diverticulosis.

Black slime

The most common cause of black secretion is taking vitamins or medications containing iron. But in the worst case scenario, this is a sign of a malignant neoplasm, therefore an urgent comprehensive examination is necessary in this case. A change in the color of mucus in the stool is associated with severe bleeding.

Brown slime

Most often, a brown secretion indicates insufficient pancreatic function or dysbacteriosis. However, sometimes this coloration of mucus can be caused by direct entry of mucus from the nose into the intestines during acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections, accompanied by a runny nose. In addition, a brown tint may indicate a secondary infection. Pus in the stool can also turn brown.

Diagnostics

A change in the color of the secretion of the glands of the mucous membrane of the digestive tube requires consultation with a qualified specialist: a therapist, gastroenterologist, proctologist, infectious disease specialist.

It is necessary to donate blood for a detailed analysis and conduct a bacteriological examination of stool. Sometimes a consultation with a surgeon or oncologist may be required. In any case, the clinical and laboratory examination of the patient includes:

• OAC, OAM – screening of the patient’s general condition;
• biochemical tests: blood for sugar, cholesterol, tumor markers, antibodies to hepatitis viruses, and so on;
• coprogram;
• endoscopic instrumental research methods: FGDS, anoscopy and others as recommended by a doctor;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis;

If this minimum is not prescribed:

• sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, irrigoscopy;
• blood electrolyte balance.

Features of treatment

Therapy for pathologically altered secretion of the mucous membrane of the digestive system is subject to correction by general and special methods. General ones include the nutritional system, lifestyle changes, the use of systemic medications, and background traditional medicine. The most common pathologies are treated with separate complex regimens.

Balanced diet

The diet should be based on fractional meals with meals every three hours. A serving should not exceed 200 g in volume. Food products are selected on an individual basis, taking into account intolerance to individual components and susceptibility to allergies. The drinking ration is calculated per kilogram of weight, at least 1.5 l/day. Steaming, baking, boiling. Fatty and salty foods should be avoided.

Medicines

Systemic therapy to relieve hypersecretion of digestive mucus aims to stabilize and maintain the function of the digestive system. For this purpose, pre-, pro-, dysbiotics, lacto- and bifidobacteria are used. This helps restore the natural intestinal microflora. In addition, they use:

• laxatives if the cause of hypersecretion is constipation;
• diarrhea is treated with lactulose derivatives;
• pain is relieved with antispasmodics;
• immunity is supported by immunostimulants and immunomodulators;
• intoxication is removed with sorbents or activated carbon, drugs based on it.

Folk recipes

There are no special herbs or plants to normalize mucus production in the digestive system. However, herbal remedies that are used to treat any pathological changes in the digestive system are effective. They are loyal to stomach acidity and bile production. Here are some of them:

• ginger drink: the root of the plant (1 cm) is crushed and brewed with a glass of boiling water, cool, add a spoonful of honey, lemon juice, drink 50 ml three times a day before meals;
• herbal tea from chamomile, calendula, yarrow in equal parts (teaspoon) per glass of boiling water - drink throughout the day;
• kefir with honey: a tablespoon of buckwheat flour per glass of kefir, half a teaspoon of ginger, a spoonful of honey - the mixture is infused for 8 hours in the refrigerator, stirred, and drunk instead of breakfast.

All prescriptions are agreed upon with the doctor in advance.

Treatment regimens for common pathologies

Treatment of hypersecretion of digestive mucus depends on the type of pathology on an individual basis. It is not recommended to change the schemes.

Inflammatory diseases

Altered mucus is most common in irritable bowel syndrome. They use antispasmodics (Trimedat, No-Shpu, Duspatalin), antidiarrheals (Loperamide, Imodium, Smecta), laxatives (Duphalac, Buscopan), antidepressants (Fluoxetine, Imipramine, Citalopram), probiotics (Enterozermina, Linex), prebiotics (Fervital, Lactulose , Lactofiltrum).

For the treatment of diverticulum, antibiotics (Flemoxin, Cefoxitin), analgesics (Mesacol), antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil), laxatives (Normaze, Mucofalk), antispasmodics (No-Shpa, Meteospasmil) are used.

Worm infestations

Dysbacteriosis

Imbalance of intestinal microflora is corrected with antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Oxamp), antifungals (Fluconazole, Flucostat), bacteriophages (Sextaphage, Intesti), sorbents (Polysorb), probiotics (Bifilakt) and prebiotics (Lactofiltrum, Fervital), enzymes (Creon), immunomodulators (Immunal, Echinacea).

Other pathologies

Tumors of any origin, polyps, are removed using surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

The appearance of mucus in the stool is not always an alarming symptom. The reason may be a person’s lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, overeating). But in any case, if heavy or colored discharge occurs, it is recommended to consult a specialist to find out the cause of this phenomenon.

Sometimes mucus in stool bothers even adults. But you should not think that the presence of mucus in the stool is always a bad sign, since it happens normally. But if the mucus makes you suspicious, plus you feel unwell, then it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

What is mucus?

Mucus is a clear or yellowish jelly-like substance that is normally mixed with stool and released during bowel movements. It is almost impossible to notice it with the naked eye.

Normally, mucus performs a number of functions in the body in adults and children:

• envelops the intestinal walls, allowing feces to leave the body freely and painlessly;
• provides protection for the intestinal walls, because if the stool is very hard, this can lead to cracks or ruptures in the intestines, but we wrote before;
• The mucus that is in the lungs, nasopharynx or other organs in which it performs its functions comes out along with the feces.

Mucus in the stool can be of pathological or non-pathological origin. Non-pathological mucus usually has a whitish or yellowish tint, sometimes clearly white, and with pathology it can be pink, yellow, brown, black, orange, red, bloody, or simply mixed with blood in the form of clots or veins, or in the form of a thread.

With pathology, a lot of mucus will come out or even just mucus will come out instead of feces.

This phenomenon cannot be ignored and you should immediately consult a doctor for advice and treatment. Only a specialist will determine why feces and mucus leave the intestines and how this can be corrected.

Causes of mucus in stool

A person may notice an increased amount of mucus or its color change when feeling normal or when something is bothering him. He may also note that after the enema, stool and mucus are released, which either floats on the surface or is mixed with the stool.

If a person consumes large quantities of fermented milk products, oatmeal, or, conversely, starves for a long time or does not receive protein foods, then mucus may appear in the stool. This is not a pathological process and there is nothing to worry about. It is enough to change your diet and everything will return to normal.

But if there are no problems in nutrition, then this indicates the development of a fungal, infectious or viral disease of the body, and not just the gastrointestinal tract.

Such diseases include:

• when the intestinal mucosa protrudes inward;
• , duodenum or any part of the intestine (small, large or rectal);
  
• tumor neoplasms of the intestine;
• , haemorrhoids;
• when the normal intestinal microflora is destroyed, food is not completely digested and irritates the mucous layer, causing mucus to come out along with feces;
• , happens for various reasons: constipation, or cracks, all this can provoke an illness;
  One type of intestinal obstruction
• is a special condition in which the entire intestinal tract suffers. Frequent spasms and weak secretion of enzymes cause a violent reaction in the body, causing feces to be released with mucus or even blood;
• ;
  
• intolerance of the body to any food products;
• acute respiratory infections, there is no pathology as such, because the mucus that comes out is the one that is swallowed by a person from the nasopharynx and, when the runny nose is cured, then the mucus from the feces will also disappear;
• infectious diseases caused by salmonella, shigella or other bacteria;
• fungal infection of the body;
• insufficient production of enzymes by the gastrointestinal tract.
  Gastrointestinal enzymes

Symptoms of the disease

Usually people detect mucus in their stool not by chance, but in cases where something bothers them. That is, a large amount of mucus is one of the symptoms that signal the development of the disease.

In addition, patients usually feel:

• severe abdominal pain, cramps;
• bloating and;
• abdominal tightness, constipation or diarrhea;
• in severe cases, vomiting or other phenomena;
• pain during defecation;
• blood or pus in the stool, possibly undigested food debris;
• change in the shape and consistency of feces, its nonspecific smell;
• mucus or bloody substance may remain on the patient's toilet paper or underwear;
• for respiratory diseases, characteristic symptoms of cough, nasal congestion, rhinitis and more;
• headaches and fatigue.

If you find these symptoms, as well as ichor or white discharge with feces, you should immediately consult a doctor and get tested to determine the cause of this phenomenon.

What it is and how to treat it can only be told by a competent specialist, and there is no need to self-medicate.

Diagnostics

Mucus in the stool of an adult is sometimes the first sign of a serious disease of the human body, and most often specifically of the gastrointestinal tract. To recognize it in the early stages, you need to consult a therapist. He will study your symptoms, the presence of not only mucus, but also other signs of the disease, find out the frequency of stool and its nature, and refer you to a specialized specialist (gastroenterologist, proctologist, oncologist). The specialist doctor will definitely prescribe a number of tests and examine the patient.

Studies to determine the causes of mucus in the stool include:

• collection of feces for;
• and protozoa;
• more specific tests for helminthic infestations (opisthorchiasis, strongyloidiasis, amebiasis, fasciliasis) as prescribed by a doctor;
• (including the intestines);
• computer or magnetic resonance imaging;
• blood test for the presence of viral diseases;
• Additionally, you can take biochemical blood tests, as well as a general clinical blood test.

Having studied the results of the examinations, the doctor will diagnose the patient and prescribe appropriate treatment, which will be selected individually for the given case, taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s body.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the diagnosis made by the doctor. But even if an infection, helminthic infestation or cancer is detected, treatment should be comprehensive and include:

1. Drug treatment.
2. Compliance with diet and proper nutrition.
3. Maintaining a daily routine.

When prescribed drugs that normalize the functioning of the pancreas. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer or other neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are prescribed.

If the appearance of mucus in the stool of an adult is associated with excessive consumption of alcohol or inappropriate foods, as well as taking medications, then it is enough to eliminate the provoking factor and the problem will go away.

An important stage of not only recovery, but prevention is maintaining proper nutrition and daily routine. Products such as rolled oats cause excessive formation of white, dense mucus, but bananas or persimmons will better bind it to a normal state.

So before treating a symptom, consult a doctor. Perhaps in your case there is no reason to worry, but unjustified use of medications can only do harm.

Why mucus may appear in the intestines, video:

An admixture of mucus in the stool of an adult in small quantities there is always.

Its presence is explained by the presence of epithelial cells and leukocytes, released in the form of light or almost transparent secretions, which resemble jelly in consistency. This is necessary for the intestines to function normally. If there is a lot of mucous secretions, pathology can develop in the body.

The appearance of mucus in the stool of an adult is mainly caused by diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Each of them has its own distinctive features.

Intestinal infections. These include colitis, dysentery, enteritis, and typhoid fever. Infection viral or bacterial nature causes abundant production of mucous secretions in 9 out of 10 cases.

At the same time, the secretion of glands increases, dead intestinal cells, along with dead microorganisms and leukocytes, leave the rectum during bowel movements.

At the same time, an increased temperature is observed, the stomach begins to hurt, diarrhea appears with a deterioration in the general condition.

Disturbance of intestinal microflora. Due to dysbiosis, jelly-like clots are found in the stool along with undigested food debris.

The disease develops due to the abuse of alcoholic beverages or smoking, due to an unbalanced diet, prolonged stress, taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics.

Decreased appetite, migraine, frequency increases respiratory infections, rashes may appear on the skin.

Respiratory diseases. During the period of illness with respiratory infections - influenza, sinusitis, you can notice mucous clots in the stool. They can be yellowish, white or brown.

Excessive production of mucus by the body causes it to be transported from the nasopharynx after swallowing to the stomach, and then exited during bowel movements along with feces.

There is no diarrhea or abdominal pain. It's for health poses no danger. The mucus will no longer be released along with the feces after the infection has passed.

Hemorrhoids and polyps. Abnormal formations in the intestines cause constipation and burning pain in the anus during bowel movements. Mucus is released due to the inflammatory process that develops against the background of the disease.

Cancer. If there are tumors in the tissues of the intestines or stomach, cells that have died during the disease are released along with the feces in the form of jelly-like discharge. Sometimes blood is present. State characterized by fatigue, rapid weight loss.

What causes mucus in stool?

Sometimes the discharge of mucus along with feces in an adult is not associated with threats to life or health. This happens when eating certain foods.

When there is an excess of cottage cheese, watermelons or bananas in the diet, mucus mixed with feces will come out of the anus during emptying. This happens when oatmeal or rice porridge is often present in the menu.

With prolonged fasting or the presence of raw food on the menu, the body experiences a lack of protein. This leads to trophic disorder and depletion of the mucosa.

At the same time, it is constantly irritated by coarse dietary fiber as a result of improper diet.

The menu should be balanced and regular. Prolonged refusal to eat also negatively affects the functioning of the digestive system and leads to the formation of mucous secretions.

The release of clear or white mucus indicates a functional or organic disorder of the intestinal sections, especially the distal ones. A similar process usually occurs as a defensive reaction to an irritant, which is a foreign substance or bacteria.

Then the mucous discharge act as a lubricant necessary for their rapid removal. In some cases, it is released after hypothermia of the pelvic organs or as a result of the body’s rejection of certain foods.

What if mucus comes out with blood?

The presence of mucous secretions in small quantities is considered normal. They consist of dead epithelial cells removed from the intestines during bowel movements.

When mucus is not produced at all, this leads to intestinal obstruction and painful constipation.

When jelly-like lumps containing blood clots are visible in the stool, this indicates the development of the disease.

To avoid irreversible consequences, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. By the nature of the discharge and their color distinguishes whether they belong to the symptoms of a particular disease:

1. An admixture of blood in the form of streaks along with mucous lumps appears in cases of ulcerative colitis, cancer of the stomach or one of the intestinal sections. It could also be Crohn's disease.
2. If blood clots are not mixed with stool and are scarlet in color, this is a sign of a hemorrhoidal fissure or bleeding from a cancerous rectum. Then blood and mucus remain on toilet paper and underwear.
3. A small amount of jelly-like bloody mass in stool indicates susceptibility to stomach ulcers, the formation of polyps or proctitis.
4. If the impurities of blood and mucus have a watery consistency, the body is affected by an intestinal or respiratory infection.
5. If scarlet mucous discharge appears with dark feces, the body may suffer from stomach ulcers or stomach cancer, dilation of the intestinal venous vessels, or cirrhosis of the liver.
6. The abundant presence of blood and mucus in the stool is a sign of ischemic colitis or rectal diverculosis. The latter disease is characterized bag-like formations formed as a result of loss of elasticity of the mucosa and its mechanical damage. It is accompanied by prolonged constipation and is life-threatening.

Where can I go for help?

After detecting mucus in the stool, the first thing you need to do is remember what you ate the day before.

Perhaps it contained mucous-based foods or dishes.

If there is no reappearance of mucous discharge after stopping the consumption of bananas, cottage cheese or oatmeal porridge, then there is no reason for concern. When a symptom repeatedly reminds itself of itself, it is necessary urgent medical intervention.

If the general condition worsens, a lot of blood is released in the stool along with mucus, you need to call a doctor at home. After providing first aid, you can turn to specialists of a more narrow profile.

Even if the mucous discharge is not abundant and there is no blood observed, it is still better to undergo examination by a surgeon, proctologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist or gastroenterologist, depending on the characteristic symptoms. If you don't know which doctor is best to see, visit therapist first, and he will direct you where you need to go.

What is the correct way to treat pathology?

You can get rid of mucus in stool by taking medications in accordance with the nature of the disease:

Do not self-medicate, entrust your health to experienced specialists.