Question 1

Anal mucus discharge explainedCommon accompanying symptoms of anal mucus discharge

Accepted Answer

Mucus is a slippery or slimy substance that is naturally produced by your bowels. It helps lubricate stool as it moves through the bowels and can protect bowel walls from more abrasive foods that you might eat (e.g. small seeds and nuts). It also helps prevent fluid loss from the walls of the colon and keeps them moist. The amount of mucus you're producing may vary and may be accompanied by stool or blood.Other associated symptoms of mucus discharge may include the following:Visible mucus with or without having a bowel movementBlood mixed with the mucusDiarrhea that may be watery or bloodyPruritis: This is itching around the area of the anus.Pain or discomfort in the area of the anusAbdominal pain that may be severeConstipationFever or chillsNausea or vomitingYou should seek care promptly if you experience persistent or worsening diarrhea, abdominal pain, or discharge. A physician can determine the cause and the best course of treatment.

Question 2

What causes anal mucus discharge?Infectious causesInflammatory conditions

Accepted Answer

The causes of increased mucus discharge can be effectively separated into four categories: infections, inflammatory conditions, diet, and malignancy.Many types of infections can cause inflammation of the walls of the large intestines and activate “goblet cells,” which produce mucus.E. Coli: There are many types of E. Coli. Some types can cause watery diarrhea while others cause bloody diarrhea or diarrhea coated in blood and mucus. Two of the most common strands that cause diarrhea with mucus are EHEC (Enterogenic Hemorrhagic E. Coli) and EIEC (Enterogenic Inflammatory E. Coli). EIEC is usually “self-limited” meaning it resolves on its own. EHEC can sometimes cause transient kidney failure in children and may require dialysis.Campylobacter: Campylobacter is a corkscrew-shaped bacterium that often occurs after consuming undercooked poultry or food that has fecal matter on it. This can occur if you use the restroom and then prepare food without washing your hands well enough. It can cause frequent (10 or more) loose stools per day with both blood and pus as well as severe abdominal pain. In most people with normal immune systems (e.g. no HIV, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplants), Campylobacter usually causes up to two weeks of symptoms. It is resistant to multiple types of antibiotics, so the main treatment method is electrolyte-rich fluids and bed rest.Entamoeba: Entamoeba is a parasite commonly contracted by ingesting feces (e.g. a food preparer’s unwashed hands). This parasite can cause a condition called amebiasis in which large amounts of diarrhea are produced that are full of the “cysts” or eggs of the organism. It is easily treated with antibiotics.Many diseases can cause excess mucus in the stool due to inflammation of the bowels.Crohn's disease: This almost always involves the small intestine, and occasionally, it involves both the small intestine and the colon. For a small minority, only the colon is involved. Among those with colonic involvement, it is possible to have blood, pus, or mucus discharge from the anus, especially during flares. Strong anti-inflammatory medications are the main treatment. With proper control, it is still common to have frequent bowel movements, but symptoms of infection and anal discharge may decrease.Ulcerative colitis: This is a separate inflammatory condition that affects the bowels. It commonly involves the lower intestines and the rectum. Colitis refers to inflammation that may cause abdominal pain, incontinence, and discharge of blood and mucus from the anus.Celiac disease: This may present early or later in life and classically presents with foul-smelling, floating stools, as well as diarrhea and flatulence. Celiac disease can lead to severe nutrient deficiency because it damages the portion of the colon necessary for this to occur. In extreme cases, celiac disease can cause high-volume stools with scant mucus.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is characterized by a cramping sensation and other variable symptoms. Nearly half of all people with irritable bowel symptoms complain of anal mucus discharge. Notably, irritable bowel syndrome is not associated with other symptoms of bowel inflammation. Bloody stools are considered uncommon for IBS.

Question 3

When and how to treat anal mucus dischargeAt-home treatmentsOther treatments

Accepted Answer

In the majority of cases, anal mucus discharge is transient (e.g. temporary and short-lived) and will resolve on its own. It is frequently caused by infections. Sometimes, you may experience other symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting, or even small amounts of blood or mucus in the stool.If your anal mucus discharge is sudden and has never happened before, it is reasonable to assume it is from some sort of infection. Infections usually resolve in two weeks or less if you have a normal immune system. Staying hydrated, resting, and washing your hands are important treatments.Some additional treatments that healthcare providers may recommend:Conservative management: This may include measures such as increased fiber intake, fluid intake, and warm baths to help relieve symptoms associated with conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of the anal mucus discharge, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or topical creams to help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.Surgery: In cases where the anal mucus discharge is caused by a more severe condition like an anal fistula, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.Management of underlying conditions: For conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or sexually transmitted infections, treatment may involve managing the underlying condition with medications or other interventions

Question 4

What is causing my anal mucus discharge?

Accepted Answer

Anal mucus discharge can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from hemorrhoids to colorectal cancer. Some causes of anal mucus discharge are more serious than others.

Read more about common causes of anal mucus discharge

If you are experiencing anal mucus discharge, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Question 5

Is having anal mucus discharge an emergency?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing anal mucus discharge, it may be uncomfortable or concerning, but it is not necessarily an emergency. Anal mucus discharge is a common symptom that can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as inflammation, infection, or other medical conditions. However, there are times when anal mucus discharge should be emergently evaluated, such as when there is severe pain or bleeding associated with the discharge.

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Question 6

How can I treat my anal mucus discharge?

Accepted Answer

The treatment for anal mucus discharge depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Some conditions such as viral infections will resolve without treatment, while other conditions such as mild hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter creams, ointments, and medications to alleviate symptoms. More serious causes, such as bacterial infections or inflammatory bowel disease will require treatment from a doctor. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Read about how to treat anal mucus discharge

Question 7

Do I need to see a medical provider for anal mucus discharge?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing anal mucus discharge, it's a good idea to see a medical provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. While anal mucus discharge can be a symptom of a relatively minor condition, such as hemorrhoids, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.

Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination and ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They may also recommend additional tests, such as a colonoscopy or stool sample analysis, to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.