What causes sticky stool?
Jun 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, sticky stools may be caused by poor eating habits, insufficient water intake, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, or pancolitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. In daily life, one should maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate fluid intake, and increase consumption of dietary fiber, such as oats, fruits, and vegetables.
Under normal circumstances, sticky stools may be caused by poor eating habits, insufficient water intake, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or pancolitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Eating Habits
Excessive consumption of high-fat and high-protein foods may increase the breakdown products of fat and protein in the intestines, making stools more viscous. It is advisable to adjust dietary patterns and increase intake of dietary fiber, such as oats, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Insufficient Water Intake
Inadequate fluid intake may lead to reduced water content in the intestines and cause dehydration, resulting in sticky stools. It is important to increase daily water consumption to maintain sufficient hydration.
3. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a non-infectious diarrhea caused by insufficient production of lactase enzyme, leading to incomplete digestion of lactose in breast milk or cow's milk. This condition may trigger intestinal inflammation and increased secretions, causing sticky stools, often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as montmorillonite powder, live bacillus licheniformis granules, or enteritis relief capsules to alleviate symptoms.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS may result from various factors including intestinal infection, gut microbiota imbalance, and psychological stress, potentially leading to intestinal dysfunction. When the intestine is irritated, increased secretions can cause sticky stools, often accompanied by abdominal pain and constipation. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, quadruple probiotic bifidobacterium tablets, or domperidone tablets to relieve symptoms.
5. Pancolitis
Pancolitis is an inflammatory response in the intestine caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Inflammation may increase intestinal secretions, which mix with stool and lead to stickiness, usually accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. Patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations to take medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or mesalazine enteric-coated tablets for treatment.
Maintaining a balanced diet and adequate hydration is essential. Increasing dietary fiber intake—such as oats, fruits, and vegetables—is also recommended to support intestinal health.
