The presence of mucus and blood in stool can be alarming, and it can be caused by various factors.
Non-disease factors such as improper diet and medication use, as well as disease factors like intestinal infections, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastric tumors, are potential causes. Understanding these possibilities helps in better identifying the problem and taking appropriate action.
1. Non-disease Factors: Sometimes, our dietary habits can be the root of the problem. For example, excessive consumption of spicy or hard-to-digest foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort and bleeding. Certain medications, especially anticoagulants like warfarin, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, manifesting as mucus and blood in stool.
2. Intestinal Infectious Diseases: Infections such as bacterial dysentery or amoebic dysentery can damage the intestinal mucosa, leading to congestion, edema, and even erosion. This results in mucus and blood in stool, accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain.
3. Peptic Ulcers: Including duodenal and gastric ulcers, often caused by excessive stomach acid. When the gastric mucosa or duodenal wall is damaged, blood may be excreted with feces, causing bloody stool.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a functional bowel disorder that may be related to visceral hypersensitivity and neurological abnormalities. Patients may experience diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, and severe cases may lead to anal bleeding, resulting in mucus and blood in stool.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are typically associated with immune system disorders. These diseases damage the intestinal mucosa, causing diarrhea and purulent bloody stool, characterized by mucus and blood in stool.
6. Gastric Tumors: Malignant tumors such as gastric cancer can damage the gastric mucosa. Early stages may show no significant symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it may lead to mucus and blood in stool. Other conditions such as rectal polyps, hemorrhoids, and rectal adenomas may also cause similar symptoms.
If you frequently experience this situation, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for detailed examination and treatment. Understanding the causes behind the symptoms and taking appropriate measures can help maintain your health better.
