Babies' bowel movements come in a variety of colors and textures. Most parents become familiar with what's "normal" for their particular infant quickly, and often panic when something other than the norm shows up in the baby's diaper. Mucus in the stool can occur from a number of causes, some serious and some short-lived and inconsequential. Other symptoms help determine the seriousness of mucus in the stool.
Symptoms
Symptoms that occur in conjunction with mucus in the stool play a large part in determining the cause. In general, mucus associated with no other symptoms, or that lasts just a day or two, most likely has a benign cause. Mucus accompanied by fever, pain, diarrhea, vomiting or other symptoms more likely needs medical investigation.
Causes
Mucus that occurs without any other symptoms such as fever, pain, diarrhea or green stools may indicate teething, pediatrician and author Jay Gordon, M.D. reports on his website. Large amounts of swallowed saliva can irritate the bowel, which produces mucus and runny stools. Mucus accompanied by green stool may indicate a virus, he adds.
Passage of a "currant jelly" stool, blood mixed with mucus, occurs in 60 percent of children with intussusception, KidsHealth states. Intussusception, a life-threatening condition where one part of the intestine telescopes into the other, obstructing stool passage, requires immediate surgery. Pain that increases over time and causes the baby to draw his legs up to his chest, vomiting, abdominal distention, weakness and shock occur in intussusception. Infants with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes mucus to build up in the intestines and lungs, may also cause mucousy, foul-smelling, greasy stool, MedlinePlus states, along with respiratory difficulties and failure to grow.
Diagnosis
It's generally not necessary to see the stool to make a diagnosis, according to Dr. Gordon. A description of the stool plus additional symptoms usually is enough for medical personnel to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Teething and viruses generally run their course without complications within a few days. Intussusception requires immediate surgery. Cystic fibrosis requires life-long management.
Considerations
Any change in the norm is upsetting for parents. An unusual looking stool, while sometimes frightening, doesn't always require immediate medical attention. Assess the child, not just the diaper content, before deciding that a new stool color or content requires an office visit. Often, a phone call can suffice, unless the infant is experiencing pain, fever or other potentially serious symptoms.
