From the Guidelines
Mucus in stool is most commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as evidenced by the Rome II Diagnostic Criteria, which lists passage of mucus as a symptom that cumulatively supports the diagnosis of IBS 1.
Etiology of Mucus in Stool
The presence of mucus in stool can result from various conditions affecting the digestive tract. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Colorectal cancer Mucus production is a normal protective mechanism of the intestinal lining, but excessive amounts visible in stool indicate inflammation or irritation.
Diagnostic Approach
According to the American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on IBS 1, the diagnosis of a functional bowel disorder, such as IBS, always presumes the absence of a structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms. Evaluation includes a complete physical examination, sigmoidoscopy, and additional testing when indicated, such as examination of the stool for ova and parasites, occult blood, or laxatives.
Clinical Considerations
If mucus in stool persists beyond a few days, is accompanied by blood, severe pain, weight loss, or fever, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. The choice of diagnostic studies depends on the symptom subtype, with considerations for age, symptom pattern, and geographic area 1.
From the Research
Mucus in Stool Etiology
- Mucus in stool can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis (UC) 2, 3.
- Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease characterized by mucosal inflammation in the colon, which can lead to the presence of mucus in stool 2.
- Mesalamine, a 5-aminosalicylic acid compound, is a first-line treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate UC and can help reduce inflammation and induce remission 2, 3.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes UC and Crohn's disease, can cause changes in bowel habits, including the presence of mucus in stool 3.
- Giardiasis, a parasitic infection, can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and malabsorption, but its direct relationship to mucus in stool is not well-established in the provided studies 4, 5.
- Treatment of giardiasis with antibiotics, such as metronidazole, can help alleviate symptoms, but its effect on mucus in stool is not explicitly mentioned in the studies 5.
- The presence of mucus in stool can be a symptom of post-giardiasis irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the exact etiology is not well-understood and may involve intestinal malabsorption of fat and carbohydrates 4.