What does it mean if the chapter is slimy, dangerous or not?

Mucus is a substance produced by the body that can affect the body's work. However, some people may wonder what if you have slimy stools? Is this normal to happen? The following is the review.

What is the function of mucus in the body?

Mucus is produced by tissues to line and protect certain organs such as the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and intestines. Mucus functions to reduce damage to certain organs caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The texture is slippery and sticky, which can trap foreign particles that accidentally enter the body.

In the intestine, mucus functions to protect the inner lining of the intestine and lubricate its surface. In addition, mucus can protect the intestines from stomach acid or other irritating fluids.

Healthy mucus is clear and thin. Sometimes also white and yellowish. However, several factors such as disease, diet, as well as environmental factors can affect the texture, amount and color of mucus.

When is mucus in the stool considered abnormal?

Defecation or mucus bowels are basically normal. However, visible mucus in your stool in large quantities can be a sign of a problem. Of course, a bowel movement that contains mucus does not necessarily indicate a serious health problem. However, if its presence increases and occurs continuously, you should start to be vigilant and see a doctor.

Mucus, which can indicate a serious health problem is also usually accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• the presence of blood or pus in the stool,
• stomach ache,
• stomach cramps, and
• more frequent or less frequent bowel movements.

Therefore, even if it sounds disgusting, you need to be a little more sensitive to the signals your body is giving you through the presence of mucus in your feces.

Cause of mucus bowel movement

According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, inflammation of the digestive tract usually results in the production of excess mucus in feces. In addition, several other health problems can also cause slimy bowel movements. Here are a few of them.

1. Ulcerative colitis

This disease indicates chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes in the large intestine and rectum. Usually the colon wall will be injured, mucus, bleeding, to fester. If too much mucus is produced, it is likely that the mucus will come along with the stool when it is removed.

2.Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disease that affects the work of the large intestine. In IBS, the muscle contractions that occur when food passes through the large intestine are considered abnormal. Sometimes, too many contractions can cause diarrhea, but too few can cause constipation. These irregular or intermittent muscle contractions usually cause pain.

In people with IBS, mucus is often overproduced by the large intestine and excreted in feces. Studies show that men with IBS tend to have more mucus in the stool than women who have IBS. You will also see more mucus when you have diarrhea due to IBS.

3. Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back, but most commonly occurs in the latter part of the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine (colon). Usually, people with this disease will experience painful stomach pain and mucus or bloody bowel movements.

4. Anal abscess or anal fistula

Anal abscess is a disease due to infection of the anal glands which causes pus to form around the anus. This condition often occurs in people with Crohn's disease, especially in the perineal area (in men it is located between the scrotum and anus, in women it is located between the anus and vagina).

Meanwhile, an anal fistula is a small tube that connects the abscess in the anus to the skin around the anus. This condition is caused by a collection of pus trapped in the anal canal. Both of these diseases can make bowel movements slimy.

5. Food allergies

If you have certain food allergies such as nuts, lactose, gluten, and other foods, then this could be the possibility of mucus bowel movements. This is because certain foods can cause discomfort in the digestive system which will lead to bloating, diarrhea, rashes, and constipation. As a result, muscle contractions in the intestines cannot be avoided.

6. Bacterial infection

Bacterial infections are usually caused by bacteria such as Campylobacter , Salmonella , Shigella , and Yersinia . These bacteria are often the cause of food poisoning and other infections. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, nausea, and fever. Because of this contraction, the mucus in the intestines can come out when you defecate.

7. Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can cause excess mucus production in the body. This life-threatening condition most commonly affects the lungs. However, some cases indicate this disease can also attack the digestive tract. In this case, mucus can block the opening or duct in your pancreas.

This blockage prevents the enzymes from reaching your intestines. As a result, your intestines cannot fully absorb fat and protein. This can cause prolonged, foul-smelling, slimy, and oily diarrhea.

How do doctors diagnose slimy bowel movements?

To diagnose excess mucus in the stool, your doctor will usually start with a physical exam and blood tests. The results of this test will be a reference to see the main problems that cause slimy bowel movements.

If the physical examination results are not and the blood is not strong enough, the doctor will usually perform a series of supporting tests such as:

• stool culture test (taking a stool sample),
• urine test,
• colonoscopy,
• endoscopy,
• X-rays, MRI of the pelvis, or CT scan, and
• sweat electrolyte test.

Treatment and treatment for mucus bowel movements

Because the occurrence can be based on various other digestive diseases, the results of the tests that have been carried out will be used as a reference in providing the right treatment. If you are positive for a certain disease, the doctor will perform treatment according to the disease that causes mucus bowel movements.

Apart from undergoing medical treatment, you will also need to make changes to your daily habits to help your condition recover. Here are some steps you can take.

• Increase fluid intake by drinking more water.
• Eating foods or supplements that contain probiotics such as yogurt, tempeh, and kimchi.
• Avoid consumption of sour and spicy foods.
• Eat more foods that are rich in fiber.

During the steps above, it's a good idea to be alert and more sensitive to the changes you feel in your body, especially if your symptoms start to affect your bowel habits. If there is a disturbing complaint, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately.

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