A baby’s stool has a typical appearance due to their formula- or milk-only diet. However, some parents may fret over the appearance of mucus in the baby’s stool. The appearance of mucus in a baby’s poop is not always a cause of concern; however, at times, it may be seen due to some underlying cause. Read this post to know more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of mucus in your baby’s poop.
What Is Mucus In Poop?
Mucus is a natural, jelly-like secretion produced by the mucous cells present across the gastrointestinal tract. Mucus provides lubrication within the intestine and also works as a barrier between bacteria and the epithelial cells that line the inside of the intestines (1) Secretions, such as saliva and snot, from other parts of the body, are also types of mucus. Swallowed saliva and nasal mucus reach the gastrointestinal tract where they combine with the mucus secreted in the digestive system. Mucus travels with the waste generated by the intestine and is eventually discarded through stools (2) Therefore, having some mucus in stools is normal and a part of the body’s normal function. According to Dr. David Berger, a Greater Tampa Bay Area-based board-certified pediatrician, “Mucus in a baby’s stool does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It is naturally secreted by the intestines to help the stool move along.” Knowing how to identify mucus in the baby’s everyday stools will help you determine whether or not it is normal.
How To Identify Mucus In Baby’s Stool?
Dr. Berger says, “A baby who consumes breast milk is more likely to produce stool that contains mucus, and being naturally yellow and of loose composition, it can be difficult to determine how much of the stool is mucus.” Your baby’s stool will not look abnormal when the amount of mucus is normal. It is when the mucus is in excess or accompanied by another symptom that it becomes a sign of a problem.
When Can Mucus In The Baby’s Stool Be A Cause Of Concern?
The following signs of mucus in the baby’s stool could indicate a problem: Take your baby to a doctor if you see these signs or if you suddenly notice mucus in stools. There are various reasons why a baby could have more mucus in the stools.
What Could Cause Excess Mucus In The Baby’s Poop?
Some conditions cause excessive production of mucus by the mucous membranes: Conditions that cause excess mucus in the stools also lead to other symptoms such as blood in the stool, abdominal cramps, poor appetite, and diarrhea. It means mucus is more likely to be obvious when your baby has mucus due to a problem.
Diagnosing The Causes Of Excess Stool Mucus
The doctor performs the following tests to determine the presence of any problem: Colonoscopy may be used as a last resort when other diagnostic methods fail or provide inconclusive results. Infants and toddlers undergoing this procedure will be under the influence of general anesthesia (18).
Does Mucus In The Baby’s Stool Require Treatment?
Normal amounts of mucus in the stool do not warrant treatment. However, excess mucus accompanied by other symptoms will need management. Here is what is done to treat excess mucus in the baby’s stool: “Young infants are much less likely to have food allergies if breastfed than bottle fed. If a formula-fed baby experiences allergies, I will determine if the formula contains cow milk protein, and if it does, I typically recommend goat milk-based products that may be tolerated when the cow-based formula is not,” shares Dr. Berger.
Appearance of mucus in baby’s stool Possible causes of mucus in baby’s stool When to worry
