Digestive Health Alert: Mucus in Stool Causes, Treatments, and Home Care Tips
Finding mucus in stool can be alarming, but it’s not always a cause for concern. Mucus is a natural secretion produced by the intestines to keep the colon and digestive tract lubricated. In small amounts, it plays a protective role, helping waste pass smoothly through the bowels. However, when the mucus becomes excessive, discolored, or is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, pain, or blood, it could signal an underlying digestive issue that requires medical attention. Common Causes of Mucus in Stool Several factors can lead to the presence of mucus in stool. Infections caused by bacteria or parasites, such as E. coli or Salmonella, can irritate the intestines and increase mucus production. Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are also major causes, as they inflame the digestive tract lining and lead to excess mucus. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is another common cause, where the bowels become overly sensitive and produce more mucus during f...