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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Excessive mucous after Intestinal Bug?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Excessive mucous after Intestinal Bug?
by lhwells, May 04, 2009 02:22PM
A few weeks ago, I came down with some sort of intestinal bug--24-48 hours of diarrhea and fever of about 101. The fever broke fairly quickly--my stools turned back mostly solid within a week. However, since then, I have had mucous in my stool fairly often. Sometimes on the stool, sometimes a little glob by itself with a bowel movement. A few times, I have passed only gas and had just a little mucous in the toilet but no stool. As I said, my stools are pretty much normal (not thin or exceptionally loose), except for the mucous. I do have some BMs with no mucous--its probably about 50/50. No weight loss, not really any abnormal abdominal pain, normal energy (ran 4 miles yesterday.) I am 26 with no known underlying conditions. My wife and I have a newborn so not much sleep going on either. Actually, I seem to have maybe even picked up this original intestinal bug in the hospital when our baby was born, as I became ill after being home just a couple days. So my question is--do I need to be concerned about this now, or will it most likely clear up on its own over time? I was at my Dr a week or so ago due to allergies and mentioned it to him--he asked if I still had diarrhea...when I said no, he just shook his head and said not to worry about it. I would like a second opinion from here. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 05, 2009 01:23PM
, May 05, 2009 01:23PM
Mucous can be associated with bowel movements after an infection, and can last several weeks.
If it continues, you may want to ensure there is nothing persistent, by obtaining stool cultures.
Malabsorption or celiac disease can also be considered, and testing via specific stool and blood tests.
A colonoscopy to exclude inflammatory bowel disease can also be discussed as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
If it continues, you may want to ensure there is nothing persistent, by obtaining stool cultures.
Malabsorption or celiac disease can also be considered, and testing via specific stool and blood tests.
A colonoscopy to exclude inflammatory bowel disease can also be discussed as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
