If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. What is mucus? Mucus is a thick, jellylike substance. Your body primarily uses mucus to protect and lubricate your delicate tissues and organs. It’s also used to reduce damage that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. As well, mucus can protect against stomach acid or other potentially harmful fluids or irritants. The presence of mucus in stool is common. When you’re healthy, mucus is typically clear, which makes it difficult to notice. It may also appear white or yellow. Having a noticeable increase in the mucus in your stool may be the symptom of an underlying health issue, such as: Crohn’s disease cystic fibrosis ulcerative colitis irritable bowel syndrome intestinal infection parasitic infection malabsorption issues anal fissures anal fistulas colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer) Keep reading to learn what symptoms you should watch out for and when you should see your doctor.

When is mucus not normal? A large amount of visible mucus in your stool isn’t normal and might be a sign of a problem. If you begin seeing mucus in your stool, the levels are probably already elevated. That doesn’t necessarily indicate you have a problem, but it’s something you should monitor. Excess mucus in the stool is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, which may be a sign of a bigger problem. These symptoms include: blood or pus in the stool

abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating

changes in bowel movements or habits Check out: A guide to your newborn’s poop »

How is a diagnosis made? There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for abnormal mucus in the stool. To treat the excess mucus, your doctor will need to diagnose and treat any underlying problems, which may be related to inflammation in your colon. Most doctors will begin with a physical exam and a blood test. The test results will give your doctor an understanding of your basic physical health. If additional information is needed, your doctor may request more tests. These may include: blood test

stool culture

urinalysis

colonoscopy

endoscopy

an imaging test, such as an X-ray, a pelvic MRI scan, or a CT scan

sweat electrolytes test For some people, a diagnosis may be reached quickly. For others, finding the underlying cause may take several rounds of testing and examination.

How is mucus in the stool treated? Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, they will prescribe treatment. Lifestyle changes may resolve the issue for some. Suggestions may include: Increase your fluid intake.

Eat foods rich in probiotics or supplements that contain probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. Find probiotics online today.

Find probiotics online today. Consume anti-inflammatory foods, such as low-acid and nonspicy foods.

Get a healthy balance of fiber, carbohydrates, and fat in your diet. Prescription medications and ongoing treatment may be necessary for people with chronic conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. A combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and possible surgical procedures may help relieve conditions such as anal fissures and fistulas. If your doctor discovers cancer, you may be referred to an oncologist. This is a specialist who’ll treat your cancer, and this treatment may reduce and ease the symptoms you’re experiencing. Keep reading: Why is my stool yellow? »

What is the outlook for mucus in the stool? Mucus levels in your stool may change from time to time. Maintaining normal mucus production and healthy mucosal barriers throughout your body partly depends on the bacteria in your intestine. If you’ve recently taken antibiotics or been sick, you may have noticed your stool mucus levels change. If it doesn’t return to normal within a few weeks, you should seek medical attention. You should see a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the GI tract, if you notice excess mucus and experience other symptoms of a GI problem. Make sure to keep track of your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and what, if anything, makes them better or worse. It’s also important to make an effort to improve the health of your colon by eating foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics, eating colorful fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated.