What Are Common Causes of Mucus In the Stool?
A certain amount of mucus in the stool is considered normal since mucus occurs naturally in the body to keep the intestines lubricated and to help the bowels move more easily. Occasionally, a person experiencing constipation or hemorrhoids may notice more mucus than usual. When accompanied by blood, diarrhea or other symptoms, however, it can be caused by serious digestive conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or an infection, such as dysentery. Mucus in the stool can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a stomach ulcer that has become infected. Sometimes people discover mucus in the stool as the result of constipation or hemorrhoids. This is because both of these conditions are often accompanied by strain while having a bowel movement. Straining will often cause an expulsion of the intestinal lining, which includes mucus. At times, a small amount of blood may also be noted, which is usually the result of anal tissue damage caused by hardened stool pas
