Should you be concerned about yellow mucus in bowel movements?
Learn more about what yellow mucus in stool can mean for your gut health, and what you can do about it.
Should you be concerned about yellow mucus in bowel movements?
Learn more about what yellow mucus in stool can mean for your gut health, and what you can do about it.
Yellow mucus in stool: Is it normal?
Mucus, a jelly-like substance primarily produced in the gastrointestinal tract, protects epithelial cells in the lining of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems. It also serves as a lubricant and protects organs from bacteria, viruses, fungi, stomach acids, and other irritants.
In the case of yellow mucus in bowel movements, having trace amounts is normal as the small and large intestines are covered in a mucosal layer. However, if you consistently see visible amounts of mucus in the stool, this may indicate a different problem. This can include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anal fistula
- Bowel cancer
When exactly should you be concerned about visible yellow mucus in stool? And what can you do about it? Read on to learn more.
Yellow mucus in stool: Is it normal?
Mucus, a jelly-like substance primarily produced in the gastrointestinal tract, protects epithelial cells in the lining of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems. It also serves as a lubricant and protects organs from bacteria, viruses, fungi, stomach acids, and other irritants.
In the case of yellow mucus in bowel movements, having trace amounts is normal as the small and large intestines are covered in a mucosal layer. However, if you consistently see visible amounts of mucus in the stool, this may indicate a different problem. This can include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anal fistula
- Bowel cancer
When exactly should you be concerned about visible yellow mucus in stool? And what can you do about it? Read on to learn more.
When should you be concerned about yellow mucus in bowel movements?
The first thing to note about yellow mucus in bowel movements is visibility. While trace amounts will be present in healthy individuals, if there are visible amounts in the stool, it can spell trouble.
The second thing to note is any accompanying symptoms you might have. Pay attention to the following symptoms in tandem with visible amounts of mucus constantly in stool:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Stomach cramping
- Blood in stool
- Excessive fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Chronic headaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult a gastrointestinal specialist.
When should you be concerned about yellow mucus in bowel movements?
The first thing to note about yellow mucus in bowel movements is visibility. While trace amounts will be present in healthy individuals, if there are visible amounts in the stool, it can spell trouble.
The second thing to note is any accompanying symptoms you might have. Pay attention to the following symptoms in tandem with visible amounts of mucus constantly in stool:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Stomach cramping
- Blood in stool
- Excessive fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Chronic headaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult a gastrointestinal specialist.
What to do if you notice yellow mucus in your stool
It’s best to consult a gastrointestinal specialist if you notice excessive amounts of yellow mucus in your bowel movements—especially if you also notice any of the aforementioned symptoms alongside it.
In the meantime, you can also do the following to manage the excessive mucus in stool.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids can help maintain regular bowel movements, reducing mucus build-up
Incorporate a healthy diet
Eating healthy food rich in fibre can promote digestive health and help maintain mucus discharge
Avoid processed foods
Fatty, processed foods can complicate existing digestive issues and increase mucus in stool
Manage stress
Increased stress can speed up the digestive process, which can cause yellow mucus in stool
Maintain blood sugar levels
This can help prevent infections like Candida that can cause white, yellow, or brown mucus in stool
Noticing excessive levels of yellow mucus in your bowel movements? Consult a gastrointestinal specialist
If you are experiencing issues with excessive amounts of mucus in your bowel movements, you should consult a gastrointestinal specialist.
Sydney Gut Clinic offers consultations from certified gastrointestinal specialists who can help you pinpoint issues related to your digestive health. Consult our specialists and take steps to improve your gut health today.
Noticing excessive levels of yellow mucus in your bowel movements? Consult a gastrointestinal specialist
If you are experiencing issues with excessive amounts of mucus in your bowel movements, you should consult a gastrointestinal specialist.
Sydney Gut Clinic offers consultations from certified gastrointestinal specialists who can help you pinpoint issues related to your digestive health. Consult our specialists and take steps to improve your gut health today.
FAQs
Can mucus in stool be caused by parasites?
Yes, certain types of parasites can cause excessive mucus in the stool. For example, roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms can infect humans and cause excessive mucus in the stool.
Is there a parasite that looks like mucus?
Rope worms are believed to be a parasite. However, the more plausible theory is that these “worms” are more likely strands of intestinal mucus.
What causes jelly-like yellow mucus in the stool?
There can be many causes for yellow mucus in bowel movements. It can be due to infections like dysentery, chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic infections. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, anal fistula, and bowel cancer can also cause mucus in stool.