What causes mucus in toddlers stool?
Stool normally contains a small amount of mucus, but passing stools with visible amounts of mucus can be from a variety of causes. Mucus in the stool is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and is seen to a lesser degree in Crohn’s disease (CD). A bacterial infection, anal fissure, or a bowel obstruction may also cause the passage of mucus. Answer: Mucus is a clear, white, or yellow substance with the consistency of jelly which is produced by the mucous membrane of the large intestine. Mucus is also produced by other organs in the body such as the lungs, where it helps to trap any foreign particles that are inhaled. In the intestine, mucus protects the inner lining and helps ease the passage of stool. Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome In UC, the mucus membrane of the intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers. These ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus, which may be visible as they are passed in the stool. In IBS, there may