What causes mucus in the stool?

Generally, mucus in the stool may be caused by normal intestinal secretion, dietary effects, intestinal flora imbalance, proctitis, ulcerative colitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Normal intestinal secretion: The intestinal mucosa secretes a small amount of mucus, which serves to lubricate the intestines and protect the mucosa. Normally, the mucus mixes with the stool and is not easily noticeable; occasionally, a small amount of transparent mucus may be visible without symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. No special treatment is required—maintain a regular diet, drink plenty of water, and support normal intestinal function. Observe any changes in the quantity and appearance of the mucus.

2. Dietary effects: Consuming large amounts of spicy, greasy, or high-protein foods within a short period can stimulate the intestines, increasing mucus secretion and resulting in mucus-containing stools, sometimes accompanied by mild abdominal distension. Symptoms typically disappear after adjusting the diet. Reduce intake of irritating foods and increase consumption of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits. Eating bland, easily digestible meals allows the intestines to gradually adapt, restoring normal mucus secretion.

3. Intestinal flora imbalance: Long-term antibiotic use or irregular eating habits may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate and stimulate the mucosa to secrete more mucus. This results in mucus in the stool, often accompanied by diarrhea and bloating, with relief of bloating after defecation. Avoid misuse of antibiotics and follow medical advice to take medications such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, Bacillus subtilis bifidobacterium viable granules, or Licheniformis bacillus viable capsules to regulate the flora. Consuming fermented foods like yogurt can also help restore the balance of intestinal flora.

4. Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectal mucosa stimulates increased mucus secretion, which is excreted with the stool. This presents as mucus on the stool surface, often accompanied by anal pressure, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, and occasionally blood-tinged mucus. Patients should avoid prolonged sitting, maintain anal hygiene, and follow medical advice to use anti-inflammatory medications such as mesalazine suppositories, compound alginate ester suppositories, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets to repair the mucosa, reduce rectal inflammation, and decrease mucus secretion.

5. Ulcerative colitis: Ulcers develop on the colonic mucosa, and inflammatory stimulation leads to excessive mucus secretion, which is expelled with the stool mixed with pus and blood. This presents as mucus, pus, and blood in the stool, accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and tenesmus. Symptoms tend to recur and the disease course is prolonged. Patients must strictly quit smoking, avoid raw or irritating foods, and follow medical advice to use medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, oxypurinol sodium capsules, or prednisolone tablets to control inflammation. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected colon may be required to relieve symptoms.

Maintain good dietary hygiene, avoid consuming spoiled food, and wash hands before meals and after using the toilet to reduce the risk of intestinal infection. Keep a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and engage in appropriate exercise to enhance intestinal resistance. Observe stool characteristics after defecation. If mucus persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, promptly identify the cause and intervene to maintain intestinal health.