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What Causes Diarrhea And Frequent Bowel Movements With Mucus In Stool?
Question: About a week ago I had diarrhea. Since then my bowel movements have been more frequent than usual, and come out as small pieces with feathery, uneven edges. And the past 24 hours it has become mostly mucus. A few minutes ago it was all mucus. Also, my intestines are gurgling a LOT during this time.
I have no other symptoms. No pain, no blood in the stool, no dizziness, nothing. I feel absolutely fine in all other respects. I'd like to know if this might be a temporary thing, or should I see my doctor immediately?
I have no other symptoms. No pain, no blood in the stool, no dizziness, nothing. I feel absolutely fine in all other respects. I'd like to know if this might be a temporary thing, or should I see my doctor immediately?
Brief Answer:
Might be temporary,so you should wait for at least 24 hours.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I have read your query and understand the concern.
Mucus in stool could be a sign of infection (but not necessarily always) in your bowels and it should be further evaluated.
You had a diarrhea about a week ago and still you are having a frequent bowel movements with all mucus in stool. So there is a possibility that this could be due to increased intestinal motility or irritable bowel (apart from infection). Less likely this could be due to some underlying pathology. But as you do not have any other symptoms and feeling absolutely fine otherwise, I will think about pathological causes right away.
This might be a temporary symptom in your case and we can expect it to get resolved by some dietary precautions and symptomatic treatment within 24 to 48 hours.
Till the time,drink plenty of fluids with high fiber diet which in turn will make your stool bulky.
Take healthy and balanced diet rich in carbohydrates.
Probiotcs (lactobacillus) supplements with antimotility drugs (like lomotil) will also be helpful.
You can wait for at least 24 hours to get your symptoms resolved by above measures and symptomatic treatment and so, there is NO need to see a doctor immediately at right now.
However,in case if the symptom persists,then better to see a doctor and rule out any infective component by doing routine blood and stool (for routine-micro,ova,cyst) tests.
Hope this helps and let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Might be temporary,so you should wait for at least 24 hours.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I have read your query and understand the concern.
Mucus in stool could be a sign of infection (but not necessarily always) in your bowels and it should be further evaluated.
You had a diarrhea about a week ago and still you are having a frequent bowel movements with all mucus in stool. So there is a possibility that this could be due to increased intestinal motility or irritable bowel (apart from infection). Less likely this could be due to some underlying pathology. But as you do not have any other symptoms and feeling absolutely fine otherwise, I will think about pathological causes right away.
This might be a temporary symptom in your case and we can expect it to get resolved by some dietary precautions and symptomatic treatment within 24 to 48 hours.
Till the time,drink plenty of fluids with high fiber diet which in turn will make your stool bulky.
Take healthy and balanced diet rich in carbohydrates.
Probiotcs (lactobacillus) supplements with antimotility drugs (like lomotil) will also be helpful.
You can wait for at least 24 hours to get your symptoms resolved by above measures and symptomatic treatment and so, there is NO need to see a doctor immediately at right now.
However,in case if the symptom persists,then better to see a doctor and rule out any infective component by doing routine blood and stool (for routine-micro,ova,cyst) tests.
Hope this helps and let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
The problem did clear up after 24 hours. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are most Welcome,
Means he symptoms was temporary as I expected and hope you are fine now.So there is no question to see doctor now.
If you do not have any more query then please close the discussion with your feed back comments.
Wishing good health,
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are most Welcome,
Means he symptoms was temporary as I expected and hope you are fine now.So there is no question to see doctor now.
If you do not have any more query then please close the discussion with your feed back comments.
Wishing good health,
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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