Mucus in Stool
Mucus in stool is a secretion produced by the cells of the intestinal lining to protect the mucous membrane and facilitate the passage of fecal matter. Normally, its amount is minimal and not visible to the naked eye.
- Absent: a normal indicator. A small amount of mucus, invisible to the naked eye, is considered normal.
- Small amount: may occur with intestinal irritation (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome), after consuming spicy foods, or with mild dysbiosis.
- Significant amount: visible mucus in stool indicates inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, enteritis, colitis, proctitis, dysbiosis, or presence of parasites.
- Mucus with blood streaks: possible in ulcerative colitis, fissures, tumors, or dysentery.
- Mucus with a green tint: suggests a bacterial infection, most often intestinal (e.g., salmonellosis, shigellosis).
Assessment of the presence and type of mucus in stool is important for diagnosing inflammatory, infectious, and functional intestinal diseases.