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What Causes Dark Brown Stool Covered With Red Mucus?
Two days ago I ate a beet for dinner. Naturally, yesterday I paid no attention to my stools after the bowel movement but today I became worried. The color of the stool was dark brown and it seemed like it was covered in red mucus. I freaked out and put it on a piece of toilet paper for a closer inspection. Red mucus was inside the stool as well. Can that be the eaten beet? Recently I have also been consuming a lot of tomatoes and red peppers. I am just so worried if that was blood or traces of vegetables. Should I go running to see the doctor or just observe my bowel movements and stools for a few more days?
Tue, 5 Mar 2019
Hi,
Based on your description, it appears that the change in the colour of the stool could be due to eating habits of yours.
Consuming some of the vegetables like beetroot is known to alter the colour of the stools.
Excess mucus secretions can be associated with stools when food such as red pepper is consumed as it could cause mucosal irritation.
You can observe for few more days and see if the colour changes to normal.
However, in case you do not notice the change or need to confirm is there blood present in stools, you need to get your stool sample tested for occult blood and stool microscopy.
Kindly consult Physician with the laboratory report for clinical evaluation and appropriate management.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
Based on your description, it appears that the change in the colour of the stool could be due to eating habits of yours.
Consuming some of the vegetables like beetroot is known to alter the colour of the stools.
Excess mucus secretions can be associated with stools when food such as red pepper is consumed as it could cause mucosal irritation.
You can observe for few more days and see if the colour changes to normal.
However, in case you do not notice the change or need to confirm is there blood present in stools, you need to get your stool sample tested for occult blood and stool microscopy.
Kindly consult Physician with the laboratory report for clinical evaluation and appropriate management.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S, General & Family Physician
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