I have to go to the bathroom and expell a smelly mucus which has become increasingly frequent. My bowel movements are well formed and there is no pain. I'm exasperated and can't get a
colonoscopy for a month. Could this be due to a bacterial infection or something that could be more quickly diagnosed and treated?
Dear Cynthia,
Foul smelling stools and mucus can occur secondary to
infectiousInfectious endocarditis
Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis #3 diarrhea,
inflammatoryInflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerative colitis bowel disease or malabsorption. Infections can be excluded with stool cultures. However, you do not report any diarrhea or weight loss. A
rectalAnorectal fistulas
Colon cancer
Colorectal polyps
Digital rectal exam
Hemorrhoids
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair
Inflatable artificial sphincter
Proctitis
Rectal biopsy
Rectal cancer, x-ray abscessAmebic brain abscess
Amebic liver abscess
Bartholin’s abscess
Brain abscess
Breast infection
Pancreatic abscess
Perirenal abscess
Peritonsillar abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess
Skin abscess
Spinal cord abscess or
fistulaAnorectal fistulas
Esophageal atresia
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula
Tracheoesophageal fistula repair - series may also produce foul smelling drainage. Up to 50% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome will complain of mucus in their stools. Sometimes dietary factors can play a role in the character, color and caliber of the stool. You may want to carefully analyze your diet to see if any particular foods seem to be aggravating your condition. Good luck with your colonoscopy.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: foul smelling mucus