The body contains a number of mucus membranes located in various areas of the body. Mucus helps to protect the body by trapping foreign objects and preventing them from invading the body cells. Mucus also lines the organs and keeps them moist and functioning efficiently. When the intestines are constantly irritated, the mucus membranes produce excess mucus as a defense response. This excess mucus often comes out in the stool.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive condition characterized by abdominal bloating, pain, cramping and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea. When those with irritable bowel syndrome are able to pass a stool, it often contains mucus. The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, but unlike other digestive conditions, it does not cause any permanent damage to the intestines. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that approximately 20 percent of Americans have irritable bowel syndrome, which makes it one of the most common medical conditions. Because the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, it can be difficult to treat. Treatment usually consists of trial and error until a specific treatment is found for each individual. Treatment options may include medications, diet changes and lifestyle changes.
Proctitis
Proctitis is the inflammation of the lining of the rectum, which is the end section of the colon. Proctitis may be caused by a number of conditions, including sexually transmitted diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and radiation therapy. Because stool must pass through the rectum to exit the body, proctitis causes a number of stool abnormalities, such as mucus in the stool and blood in the stool. Other symptoms of proctitis include frequent sensation to have a bowel movement, pain in the rectum, abdominal pain, feeling of fullness in the rectum, pain during a bowel movement and diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment for proctitis depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Proctitis caused by sexually transmitted diseases or digestive diseases can usually be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, respectively. If radiation therapy is the cause of proctitis, treatment focuses on reducing the severity of symptoms.
Shigellosis
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection in the lining of the intestines that is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. There are several types of Shigella, but the one that most commonly causes shigellosis is called Shigella sonnei, or group D Shigella, according to Medline Plus. The bacterium usually enters the body through contaminated food or water, but may also be transmitted from direct contact with an infected individual. Symptoms of shigellosis include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, fever, blood and mucus in the stool, rectal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Medline Plus notes that symptoms can develop from one to seven days after contact with the bacteria, but the average time of onset is three days. Treatment for shigellosis consists of antibiotics to reduce the length of illness as well as contagiousness of the infected individual. Increased fluid intake and consumption of electrolytes can also help prevent dehydration that may occur as a result of severe vomiting and diarrhea.
