What is the cause of mucous in stool?

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Differential Diagnosis for Mucous in Stool

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are known for causing inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to the presence of mucous in stool due to the body's attempt to protect and heal the inflamed areas.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a variety of symptoms including changes in bowel movements, which can sometimes include the presence of mucous in stool.
    • Infectious Gastroenteritis: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, which may contain mucous.
    • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract can cause changes in bowel habits, including the presence of mucous in stool.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Colorectal Cancer: Although less common, colorectal cancer can cause changes in bowel habits, including the presence of mucous in stool, and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
    • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially cutting off blood supply, which can be life-threatening and may present with mucous in stool among other symptoms.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): A sexually transmitted infection that can cause proctitis, leading to symptoms like mucous in stool, especially in individuals with certain risk factors.
    • Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea with mucous.
    • Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition affecting the large intestine, leading to severe constipation or diarrhea, which may include mucous in stool, typically diagnosed in infancy but can be missed and present later in life.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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