What does it mean when you have bloody mucus in your stool?

The appearance of bloody mucus in the stool can indicate several underlying medical conditions. Here's what bloody mucus in stool may mean:

1. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause painless rectal bleeding, which may appear as bright red blood or blood-tinged mucus in the stool. The bleeding usually occurs during or after bowel movements and resolves spontaneously in most cases.

2. Anal Fissure: An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the skin of the anus. It can cause bleeding, pain, and itching during bowel movements. Bloody mucus or streaks of blood on the stool are commonly seen with anal fissures.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Bloody mucus mixed with diarrhea is a common symptom, particularly in ulcerative colitis.

4. Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: Colon and rectal polyps are growths that can develop in the large intestine. While most polyps are non-cancerous, some may have a potential for becoming cancerous. Blood in the stool mixed with mucus can be a sign of colorectal polyps or cancer, especially when it's persistent and accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits.

5. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to bloody mucus in the stool. Common infectious causes include Shigella, Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Entamoeba histolytica, and Clostridium difficile. Fever, abdominal pain, and other digestive symptoms usually accompany infectious causes.

6. Diverticular Disease: Diverticulitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon, can sometimes cause bleeding. Blood mixed with mucus in the stool may occur in individuals with diverticular disease.

7. Ischemic Colitis: Ischemia (reduced blood flow) to the colon can cause inflammation and bleeding. Bloody stool mixed with mucus is one of the symptoms of ischemic colitis. It's more common in older adults with cardiovascular risk factors.

It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice bloody mucus in your stool, especially if it persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or changes in bowel habits. The doctor can perform an appropriate evaluation and determine the underlying cause for tailored treatment.