Hello - thanks for asking your question.
There are several considerations. One would be inflammatory bowel disease (either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). This can definitely present with a change in bowel habits, and blood in the stool. Irritation and an inflammed colon wall would also be suggestive. A colonoscopy with proper biopsies should be considered to diagnose this.
Another consideration would be malabsorption. Again, a change in bowel habits combined with bloating, and mucous-like stools is suggestive of this disorder. Stool samples including tests for quantitative fecal fat is usually performed to evaluate this.
If those tests are negative, a less likely diagnosis would be irritable bowel syndrome. This disease typically presents in an alternating diarrhea-constipation pattern.
I would suggest a referral to a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy would be a reasonable next step.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
A related discussion,
IBS dx and more was started.
I also have the same problem; lately alot of gas, and the mucas and blood have been there for about two years now; i have had the first test endoscopy ?? and no polps were found; was told it was probably a rectal tear, yet was not absolute on that; everything looks good, but no reason has been given other than a change of diet amoungst other "self torturing" things i had to do. ie suppliments, suppositories...
i'm now seeing the third doctor, a "surgon in gastroenterology." will see what he finds....
I have exactly the same problem. Had a colonoscopy with no significant abnormalities. Any diagnosis, treatment or resolution to your problem? You are about a month ahead of me - any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Have similar problems and every test I can think of(think it's IBS).What all conditions other than cancer can cause thin stools and how do they cause them.
Also, I have had no weight loss and I am 29 yrs. old
what you describe is almost certainly not due to hemorrhoids, even at the beginning symptoms. It needs a more definite diagnosis. Seeing a gastroenterologist is the next logical step.