Mucus in the Stool
The mucus is the thick, jelly, and slippery liquid found in different body parts, including the nasal cavity, lungs, and digestive tract. It protects the body by keeping it moisturized and trapping possible irritants. Mucus is also used to reduce the harm caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. The presence of mucus in stools is common. This is triggered by constipation, dehydration, and IBS.
A healthy body produces clear and small amounts of mucus. Increasing mucus fluid is part of the body’s defense mechanism when it is trying to combat an infection or disease. Excess mucus can be a symptom of a more severe underlying health condition like IBS. For example, patients who suffer from constipation (a common effect of IBS) may suffer from the dry and hard stool. This prompts the body to produce more mucus.
Patients with IBS should closely monitor the amount of mucus in their stool to ensure its level is still normal. Increasing fluid intake and establishing a well-balanced diet may help control the body’s mucus secretion. Contact a physician or doctor if the level of mucus in the stool becomes more noticeable.
