Mucus in Stool: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Home Remedies

Do you know what mucus is? It is a slippery substance synthesised by your intestinal lining which lubricates and protects your digestive tract. You will be surprised to know that you can have a small amount of mucus in your stool as it aids in the passage of waste materials. However, excessive white mucus in your stool may be a warning sign of underlying health ailments.

Various factors can contribute to the mucus in stool. In some cases it may be due to a minor irritation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract. However in other instances it could indicate a more severe condition, such as gastrointestinal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer.

Causes of Mucus in Stool

• Minor Irritation: Mucus in stool can result from minor irritation in the intestines. This irritation can be caused by consuming certain foods or medications that irritate the digestive system. Additionally, dehydration or a lack of fibre in the diet can produce excess mucus.
• Infections: You can have bacterial, viral or parasitic infections responsible for mucus in your stools (due to intestinal inflammation). Infections such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning are common culprits.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic gastric inflammation. This chronic inflammation can produce mucus in stool with stomach pain and diarrhoea. 
• Food intolerances: Gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance has an influence on inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract leading to extra mucus.
• Haemorrhoids: Some more than normal mucus is due to piles or haemorrhoids (often with bleeding when you poop).
• Colorectal cancer: Mucus in poop can sometimes point to colorectal cancer. While you might see other signs, like blood in your poop or losing weight for no reason, mucus can also be a red flag. If cancer runs in your family or you are over 50, you should talk to your doctor if you spot any changes in your poop.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing abnormal mucus in your stool, seeking medical advice for a proper diagnosis is crucial. Your doctor will start with a thorough physical test and have a detailed discussion with you about your symptoms and medical history. In addition to the above you will be asked to go for some tests including but not limited to: 

• Stool analysis: A stool sample may be collected and analysed in a laboratory to check for infections or abnormalities
• Blood tests: To detect inflammation or infections
• Colonoscopy: So that your doctor can see the internal lining of the colon and rectum. 

Treatment

The way doctors treat mucus in stool depends on what's causing it. Sometimes, if it is just a small irritation or infection, it might go away on its own with time and some basic care. But if doctors find a specific problem, they might suggest certain treatments. Treatment options are:

• Changing what you eat: This is a natural way to deal with mucus in stool. Eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water can help your bowels work better and cut down on mucus in your poop. It can also help to avoid foods that might upset your stomach like spicy or greasy items.
• Medications: Your doctor might recommend you medicines for diarrhoea or inflammation. They may also prescribe other medicines for specific issues. For example you could get antibiotics if you have an infection or drugs that weaken your immune system if you have inflammatory bowel disease. These medicines ease your symptoms and reduce how much mucus your body makes.
• Surgery: In severe cases, doctors may tell you that you need a surgical intervention. This could be to treat serious problems (colon or rectum cancer, growths in your intestines, haemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease).

Home Remedies for Mucus in Stool

While it is necessary to see a doctor for proper treatment, some simple home remedies can ease symptoms of mucus in stool (including but not limited to):

• Probiotics: Eating foods or taking supplements with probiotics can improve healthy gut bacteria and lessen inflammation.
• Drink more fluids: Consuming lots of water and clear liquids can soften stool and minimise stomach irritation.
• Herbal teas: Different calming herbal teas, like honey, peppermint, or chamomile, might relieve digestive problems and reduce mucus production.
• Warm compress: If you go for hot baths or put a warm compress around your belly you can get a relief from mucus related stomach pain and discomfort.
• Stress management: To relax try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can lower stress levels, which might play a role in gut symptoms.

When to Contact a Doctor about Mucus in Stool?

While occasional mucus in stool may not be concerning, it is essential to consult with a doctor if you have bbelow mentioned symptoms (including but not limited to):

• Persistent mucus in stool with stomach pain or changes in bowel movements that last more than a few days.
• If you notice bloody mucus in your stool.
• Unexplained weight loss along with mucus in stool.

Conclusion

Mucus in your stool can make you anxious. But always remember that it is not always due to any serious causes (reason can be anything from minor irritations to more severe conditions). In case of any doubt or if you have severe symptoms go and talk to a doctor. Remember to prioritise your gut health, as it is vital to your overall well-being.