What does mucus in the stool indicate?

From the Guidelines

Mucous in the stool is a symptom that warrants medical attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in stool, diarrhea, or fever, as it can indicate inflammation or irritation in the digestive tract, potentially related to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, or colorectal cancer. This symptom may occur with various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), colorectal cancer, or a response to certain medications or dietary irritants. According to the american gastroenterological association medical position statement on irritable bowel syndrome 1, symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS include passage of mucus. The mucus is produced by the intestinal lining as a protective mechanism when inflammation occurs, helping to lubricate and protect the intestinal walls. If you notice mucus in your stool regularly or in significant amounts, you should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, colonoscopy, or blood tests to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. No self-medication is advised until a proper diagnosis is established.

Some key points to consider when evaluating mucous in the stool include:

• The amount and consistency of the mucus
• The presence of other symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in stool, diarrhea, or fever
• The patient's medical history and risk factors for certain conditions
• The need for a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including tests such as stool analysis, colonoscopy, or blood tests, as recommended by guidelines for the investigation of chronic diarrhoea 1.

It is essential to approach this symptom with caution and prioritize a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment, as the presence of mucus in the stool can be a sign of a potentially serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, as discussed in the european evidence based consensus for endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease 1.

From the Research

Mucous in the Stool

Mucous in the stool can be an indicator of various conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The presence of mucous may be associated with:

• Inflammation in the bowel, which can cause an increase in mucous production 2
• Infections, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause diarrhea and mucous in the stool 3
• Other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

In IBD, mucous in the stool can be a symptom of active disease. The presence of mucous may be evaluated through endoscopy, which plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, management, and surveillance of IBD 4, 5, 6. Endoscopy can help:

• Establish the diagnosis of IBD
• Exclude other etiologies
• Distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Define the extent and severity of mucosal inflammation
• Obtain mucosal tissue for histologic evaluation

Diagnosis and Management

The diagnosis and management of IBD involve a comprehensive approach, including:

• Clinical evaluation
• Laboratory tests
• Endoscopy
• Imaging studies
• Treatment with medications, such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and biologics 2
• Surveillance for dysplasia and colorectal cancer in patients with long-standing IBD 5, 6