Diarrhea with Mucous/Blood

Rushed home from soccer practice last evening (Wednesday) with a sudden bout of Diarrhea that lasted through the night and continues into this morning, although definitely not as frequent during the day yesterday.  Off and on (mostly on) it's been very mucousy and bloody (brighter red), although the quantity has never been say more than 1/4 cup or so.  I also feel slightly bloated/gassy.  No temperature or vomitting.  I'm drinking plenty of water and been able to keep down/in soup and crackers.  Any thoughts?  How concerned should I be, especially about the blood?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Infection would be the leading cause.  The presence of blood can be due to a bacterial cause.  Obtaining stool cultures can be obtained to rule this out, and if positive, appropriate antibiotics should be given.

If the diarrhea continues with blood, an endoscopy should be considered to rule out inflammatory bowel disease.  

I would discuss this with your personal physician.  If the bleeding continues, I suggest going to an ER.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com