What are the main causes of green mucus in diarrhea. How can you identify symptoms of different conditions leading to mucusy stools. What treatment options are available for diarrhea with green mucus.

Understanding Green Mucus in Diarrhea: Causes and Implications

Diarrhea accompanied by green mucus can be an alarming symptom, often indicating an underlying health issue. While mucus is naturally present in small amounts in the digestive tract to aid lubrication, an increase in mucus production, especially when it appears green, may signal various conditions ranging from minor infections to more serious digestive disorders.

Green mucus in diarrhea typically results from rapid intestinal transit, where bile doesn’t have time to break down completely, giving stool a greenish tint. The increased mucus production often serves as the body’s defensive mechanism against irritants or pathogens in the digestive system.

Top 5 Causes of Green Mucus in Diarrhea

Several conditions can lead to the presence of green mucus in diarrhea. Here are the top five causes:

1. Bacterial or Viral Infections
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
3. Food Intolerances or Allergies
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
5. Parasitic Infections

1. Bacterial or Viral Infections

Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or viruses such as norovirus can result in diarrhea with green mucus. These pathogens irritate the intestinal lining, leading to increased mucus production and rapid bowel movements.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as IBD, can cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. This inflammation often leads to the production of excess mucus, which may appear green in diarrhea.

3. Food Intolerances or Allergies

Certain food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, can trigger digestive upset, resulting in diarrhea with mucus. The green color may be due to undigested food particles or increased bile production.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS, a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, can cause changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea with mucus. While the mucus isn’t typically green, rapid intestinal transit associated with IBS can lead to green-tinged stools.

5. Parasitic Infections

Parasites like Giardia lamblia can cause intestinal infections resulting in diarrhea with green mucus. These microscopic organisms irritate the intestinal lining, leading to increased mucus production and altered stool appearance.

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Green Mucus in Diarrhea

Identifying accompanying symptoms can help determine the underlying cause of green mucus in diarrhea. Common symptoms to watch for include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Urgency to defecate

How can you differentiate between different causes based on symptoms? Bacterial infections often come with fever and severe abdominal pain, while viral infections might cause milder symptoms. IBD typically presents with chronic symptoms and may include weight loss and fatigue. Food intolerances usually occur shortly after consuming trigger foods, and IBS symptoms tend to be recurrent but not associated with more serious signs like fever or blood in stool.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of diarrhea with green mucus. Medical professionals may employ various diagnostic tools and procedures, including:

• Stool sample analysis
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy
• Imaging studies like CT scans or MRI
• Food allergy or intolerance tests

When should you seek medical attention for green mucus in diarrhea? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than a few days, are accompanied by severe pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Diarrhea with Green Mucus

Treatment for diarrhea with green mucus depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Hydration and Dietary Changes

Regardless of the cause, maintaining proper hydration is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Dietary modifications may include:

• Following a BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
• Avoiding dairy products temporarily
• Increasing intake of probiotics
• Eliminating trigger foods in cases of food intolerances

Medications

Depending on the diagnosis, healthcare providers may prescribe:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for IBD
• Antispasmodics for IBS
• Antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections

Probiotics and Natural Remedies

Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, potentially alleviating symptoms. Natural remedies like chamomile tea or peppermint oil may provide relief for some individuals, but their effectiveness varies.

Prevention Strategies for Recurrent Green Mucus in Diarrhea

Preventing recurrent episodes of diarrhea with green mucus involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and being mindful of potential triggers. Some effective prevention strategies include:

• Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent infections
• Avoiding contaminated food and water
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy
• Identifying and avoiding food triggers
• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber
• Staying hydrated
• Regular exercise to promote gut health

How can you identify and manage food triggers? Keeping a food diary can help track correlations between specific foods and digestive symptoms. Gradually reintroducing suspected trigger foods can help pinpoint problematic items in your diet.

Long-term Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals with chronic conditions like IBD or IBS that may cause recurrent episodes of diarrhea with green mucus, long-term management strategies are essential. These may include:

• Regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist
• Adhering to prescribed medication regimens
• Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga
• Dietary counseling with a registered dietitian
• Joining support groups for individuals with similar conditions

How can stress management impact digestive health? Stress can exacerbate symptoms of various digestive disorders. Implementing stress reduction techniques can help minimize flare-ups and improve overall quality of life for those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

When to Worry: Red Flags and Complications

While occasional diarrhea with green mucus may not be cause for immediate concern, certain symptoms warrant urgent medical attention. These red flags include:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Blood in stool
• Signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination)
• Rapid weight loss
• Symptoms lasting more than a week

What potential complications can arise from untreated diarrhea with green mucus? Prolonged diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition. In cases of IBD, complications may include bowel obstruction or increased risk of colorectal cancer. Prompt medical intervention can help prevent these serious outcomes.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diarrhea with green mucus empowers individuals to take appropriate action for their health. While many cases resolve with home care and lifestyle adjustments, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Top 5 Causes of Mucus in Diarrhea

4 most common causes

Crohn’s Disease

Food Poisoning

Hemorrhoids

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Diarrhea with mucus can be caused by a viral infection, food poisoning, or a sign of a chronic problem in your intestines.

Mucus is produced by your intestines to keep your colon lubricated, which makes it easier for stool to pass. Stool normally has small amounts of mucus, but usually you do not notice it.

Diarrhea that looks like mucus or contains a larger amount of mucus may signal an underlying inflammatory condition, such as a food intolerance, gastrointestinal infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or hemorrhoids.

Pro Tip

Mucus in stool is not abnormal. Mucus is produced by the colon to help lubricate the stool. It becomes abnormal when you notice a lot more mucus than usual with ongoing diarrhea or if it is accompanied by blood. —Dr. Judith Kim

Causes

1. Irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms

• Cramping abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation, or both
• Bloating

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder. Symptoms can include abdominal cramping and bloating, diarrhea or constipation (or both), and having little control over when you need to go.

IBS may affect gut motility (how quickly it digests food) and gut inflammation, which increases mucus production in the intestines. Up to 50% of people with IBS say they have mucus in their stool. IBS can have flare-ups that can be more intense and uncomfortable than other times. Stress, diet, and other factors may cause flare-ups.

If you notice changes in your bowel movements, such as increased mucus, incontinence, or urgency, you should see a doctor to discuss these symptoms. Diet changes or medications may be recommended to help with your symptoms.

2. Bacterial infection

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, which may have mucus
• Nausea or vomiting
• A fever above 100.4°F

Bacterial infections can lead to increased mucus in the gut. The mucus may be yellow or greenish. Bacterial infections can be caused by foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella or E.coli, and other infections like Campylobacter, Shigella, and Yersinia.

Some infections can be treated with antibiotics. Gastroenteritis usually gets better on its own and it’s important to drink lots of fluids.

If you notice blood in your stool or your temperature is above 100. 4°F, call your doctor. You may need to have a stool test to find out what type of infection you have. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

If there is a lot of blood in your stool or you can’t keep any food or water down, you should go to the ER since there is a risk of serious dehydration.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms

• Diarrhea or constipation, with stools that may have mucus or blood
• Urgency or incontinence of stool
• Abdominal cramps or discomfort

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that creates inflammation in the digestive tract. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Colitis affects the rectum and extends up through the entire colon, while Crohn’s looks like patches of inflammation throughout the colon or small intestine.

Both types of IBD can lead to frequent loose stools with mucus and blood. You may also have crampy abdominal pain, rushing to the bathroom, discomfort when having a bowel movement, and feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowel. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a gastroenterologist (digestive disease doctor).

Your doctor may recommend further tests or a colonoscopy to make a diagnosis. If you have IBD, you will need to start medications to help decrease the inflammation in your colon. Some patients may need surgery if their disease is severe.

Dr. Rx

If I hear that there is a small amount of blood only on the toilet paper, then I would think about hemorrhoids. If there is a lot of blood in addition to abdominal pain, I would be worried about inflammatory bowel disease or a different disease that needs a colonoscopy to better differentiate. —Dr. Kim

4. Food intolerance

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, which may be streaked with mucus
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Gas or bloating

Food intolerances can lead to increased mucus in stool.

Some people may find certain foods cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. A common one is lactose intolerance, which is a reaction to lactose that’s found in dairy foods and drinks. Others include intolerance to gluten or spicy food. Treatment is to avoid these dietary triggers.

Keep track of what you’re eating in a food diary and bring it to your doctor who can help identify what is causing the symptoms. Trying an elimination diet where you stop eating trigger food groups may improve your symptoms.

An allergy doctor can help to pinpoint your allergies and intolerances through a skin test or blood test. Seeing a nutritionist can also help you create a diet plan that avoids your dietary triggers.

5. Hemorrhoids

Symptoms

• Blood on toilet paper or blood or mucus in stool
• Rectal pain
• Itching in the anal area

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum. You may feel or see some hemorrhoids outside the rectum (external hemorrhoids), while others are inside (internal hemorrhoids).

They are common and can cause bleeding, itching or pain. There can also be mucus in the stool or toilet paper.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by hard stools or straining when going to the bathroom. They often improve with over-the-counter medications, such as stool softeners, fiber, or topical creams (like Preparation H or witch hazel). Daily sitz baths are also helpful.

If your symptoms do not improve or you notice a lot of blood in your stool, see your doctor. If the hemorrhoids are severe, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or procedure to remove them.

Other possible causes

A number of conditions may also cause mucus in diarrhea.

Inflammatory

• Infectious: Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can cause diarrhea that looks like mucus. They can directly infect the cells of the digestive tract and cause irritation that causes diarrhea. Common foreign invaders include rotavirus, norovirus, E. coli, salmonella, and giardia. When traveling in developing countries, diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites is often called traveler’s diarrhea.
• Genetic: Many genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can cause chronic irritation that leads to diarrhea.
• Autoimmune: Conditions with an autoimmune component can also cause diarrhea with mucus. This includes celiac disease, which is an immune reaction to gluten.

Environmental

Environmental causes can be related to certain exposures or lifestyle habits.

• Diet: Not only can viruses and bacteria infect the digestive tract through contaminated food and drink, but a specific diet can also contribute to diarrhea that looks like mucus. Allergies to foods such as cow’s milk, soy, cereal grains, eggs, and seafood may cause chronic diarrhea.
• Medications: Many medications have diarrhea as a side effect. For example, antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria and disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines. That can lead to diarrhea with mucus or another infection, like C. Difficile colitis. Many other drugs that also destroy or distress the intestines, such as cancer drugs, can also cause diarrhea.

When to call the doctor

• You continue to see mucus in stool even after changing your diet.
• You see blood in the toilet or mixed with your stool.
• You have abdominal or anal pain.

Pro Tip

Ask your doctor if you may need further evaluation with blood work or stool studies, especially if your symptoms are very bothersome or lasting a long time. —Dr. Kim

Should I go to the ER for mucus in diarrhea?

You should go to the emergency department if you have diarrhea with mucus and these symptoms:

• You have severe abdominal pain or cramps.
• You see significant blood in the stool.
• You are feeling dehydrated and cannot drink enough liquids.

Treatment

At-home care

• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids.
• Avoid dietary triggers, such as dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant.
• Take a sitz bath (sitting in warm water) or use topical creams if you have anal pain.

Other treatment options

• Medications such as antibiotics or anti-diarrheal agents.
• Procedures such as a colonoscopy to help with a diagnosis.

Judy Kim, MD, MS.

Gasteoenterologist, NYU Langone Health

Dr. Kim is a Gastroenterology Fellow at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University where she also completed her residency training in Internal Medicine. She received her medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis and earned her BA in Biology at Harvard College. Her specialty is Gastroenterology, with a research interest in gastric cancer and clinical outcomes.

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Mucus in Stool: What Does It Mean?

The presence of mucus in stools can be common. Common causes can be constipation, dehydration, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Mucus is a thick, jelly-like substance. Your body primarily uses mucus to protect and lubricate your delicate tissues and organs.

It’s also used to reduce damage that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Mucus can also protect against stomach acid or other potentially harmful fluids or irritants.

The presence of mucus in stools can be common. When you’re generally healthy, mucus is typically clear and appears in such small amounts that it’s often difficult to notice.

But if you start to see a noticeable increase in mucus in your stools, it may be the symptom of an underlying health issue.

Two common causes of mucus in your stool are dehydration and constipation. These two conditions may cause the normal mucus in your colon to leave the body. Mucus caused by these issues may resolve on its own or with medication.

Changes in mucus levels may also be the result of an inflammatory gastrointestinal condition that requires medical treatment. Some of these conditions include:

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Early symptoms may include diarrhea or fatigue, as well as an excess of mucus in the stool (due to a disrupted mucus barrier in the inflamed intestines).

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in your lungs, pancreas, liver, or intestines. Cystic fibrosis may also cause mucus in the stool.

Ulcerative colitis

Like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It’s a chronic condition that causes inflammation in your large intestine or rectum.

An increase in mucus secretion often occurs when the body is dealing with the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which in turn can increase the mucus in your stools.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the name for a group of symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and altered bowel habits that occur outside of a disease diagnosis.

Currently, research suggests that mucus in the stool may be connected to the diarrhea someone experiences as a symptom of their IBS.

Intestinal infection

Intestinal infection can also lead to mucus in the stool. Examples include infection from bacteria such as salmonella and shigellosis, which can occur from eating contaminated food.

Researchers think bacteria may stimulate mucus production, causing mucusy stools. Severe diarrhea can also increase mucus in stools.

Malabsorption issues

Malabsorption issues occur when your bowel is unable to properly absorb certain nutrients. Conditions related to malabsorption include lactose intolerance and celiac disease.

Colon or rectal cancer

Colon or rectal cancer starts in your colon or rectum and may cause symptoms such as blood in your stool, mucus in your stool, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for abnormal mucus in the stool. To treat the excess mucus, your doctor will need to diagnose and treat any underlying problems, which may be related to inflammation in your colon.

Most doctors will begin with a physical exam and a blood test. The test results will give your doctor an understanding of your basic physical health.

If additional information is needed, your doctor may request more tests. These may include:

• stool culture
• colonoscopy
• an imaging test, such as an X-ray or a CT scan, or pelvic MRI scan
• sweat electrolytes test (typically done if there’s possibility of cystic fibrosis)

For some people, a diagnosis may be reached quickly. For others, the underlying cause may not be determined despite extensive testing.

Because mucus in the stool may be a symptom of an underlying condition, your treatment will vary depending on your diagnosis.

For some mild cases, especially those connected to periodic dehydration or constipation, lifestyle changes may help resolve the issue. Suggestions may include:

• increasing your fluid intake
• eating foods rich in probiotics or supplements that contain probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus
• establishing a nutritious balance of fiber, carbohydrates, and fat in your diet

Prescription medications and ongoing treatment may be necessary for people with chronic conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

If your doctor discovers cancer, you may be referred to an oncologist. This is a specialist who’ll treat your cancer, and this treatment may reduce and ease the symptoms you’re experiencing.

While occasionally seeing a bit of mucus in your stool is typically nothing to worry about, if it’s accompanied by these other symptoms, you should see a doctor ASAP:

• persistent diarrhea
• stomach cramping
• blood in stool
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• unexplained weight loss

Even if there aren’t any other symptoms, persistently seeing mucus in your stool could be a sign of a more serious health issue, and it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

Most people have mucus in their stools — it’s just typically such a small amount that it isn’t noticed.

Noticeable mucus could be a symptom of a more benign issue, such as occasional dehydration or constipation, or it could be a more chronic health issue.

Depending on the co-occurring symptoms you experience, as well as the duration and amount of mucus in your stool, you may want to talk with your doctor to rule out something more serious.

Your doctor will ask you about your medical and dietary history, do a physical exam, and may run some tests — including blood tests and stool sample tests — if they believe there could be an underlying condition.

Read this article in Spanish.

Q:

When would abnormal stool be an emergency — the kind where I would need to talk to my doctor immediately or call 911?

Anonymous

A:

How much stool is being produced? If you’re producing too much mucus in your stool and experience symptoms like dizziness or feeling faint, call your doctor immediately. It’s highly likely you’re significantly dehydrated, which means you may need IV fluids.

If your stool is bloody or becoming black, this could indicate bleeding from your intestine or colon. If this type of bleeding happens, you may need a blood transfusion.

Mark LaFlamme, MDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Diarrhea (diarrhea)

Acute and chronic diarrhea

Diarrhea, or diarrhoea. – increase in the volume of stools due to an increase in the water content of more than 300 g / day. However, the understanding of this indicator varies.

Stool is 60-90% water. In Europeans, stool volume is 100-300 g/day in adults and 10 g/kg/day in infants, depending on the amount of non-absorbed food ingredients (mainly carbohydrates).

Causes of diarrhea

• consumption of stale or contaminated food or water
• allergic reaction to drugs
• individual intolerance to any substance that is part of the products
• intestinal infections of viral, bacterial or parasitic etiology
• nervous strain, stress
• irritable bowel syndrome. This phenomenon is most often associated with emotional overstrain, poor nutrition, eating too fatty foods, a lot of caffeine, overeating, and alcohol abuse.
• inflammation of the large and small intestines (enterocolitis), may be either acute or chronic
• insufficiency of absorption of substances in the small intestine (develops in diseases such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, gastritis, colitis, enteritis). The syndrome of impaired absorption of substances is associated with impaired metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, as well as water-salt balance.

Green diarrhea

Green diarrhea occurs when the gastrointestinal tract malfunctions and may be a sign of poisoning of the body or infectious diseases. It should be noted that such a phenomenon as green diarrhea may be a reaction of the body to the use of colored drinks containing artificial dyes. Also, a green tint may appear in the feces when taking antibacterial drugs to treat an intestinal infection. In the process of digestion of products, fermentation intensifies, during which the formation of substances that give the feces a green color occurs. With a disease such as dysentery, feces can also acquire a green tint. Accompanying symptoms when staining feces green can be acute abdominal pain, temperature reaction, nausea, vomit, a general state of weakness. Liver pathologies can also be the cause of green diarrhea – the breakdown of red blood cells leads to the formation of bilirubin in the liver, which, when it enters the intestine, gives the feces a green color. For diagnosis, a general analysis of feces and bacterial culture of feces are performed. In infants, diarrhea with a shade of green can be triggered by rejection of food. In this case, blood streaks, foam and mucus may appear in the stool. For any symptoms that accompany diarrhea in a baby, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diarrhea with blood

Diarrhea with blood can occur with a disease such as hemorrhoids – the formation of nodes near the rectum, associated with the expansion of hemorrhoidal veins. Blood in diarrhea can appear when the colon is affected by pathogenic strains, cracks in the anus occur, and oncopathologies of the rectum. Blood in bright red stools can be released during the formation of bulging of the intestinal wall. Diarrhea with blood can appear with gastric or intestinal bleeding. Polyps in the intestines can also cause blood in the diarrhea. Concomitant symptoms of diarrhea with blood can be pain in the rectal area during or after bowel movements, the presence of mucus in the feces, vomiting, nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. To diagnose the disease, radiography and endoscopy are performed, with heavy bleeding, emergency medical care is needed.

Black diarrhea

Staining of feces in black can be observed after taking activated charcoal and some vitamin-mineral complexes. The appearance of black diarrhea may be the result of internal bleeding – from the esophagus, stomach or intestines, which could be triggered by various severe pathologies – ulcers, cancer, polyps or enlarged veins of the esophagus. Concomitant signs of internal bleeding may be impotence, pale complexion, dizziness, anemia. In case of black diarrhea, you should immediately consult a doctor. For diagnosis, fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (examination of the esophagus, gastric cavity and duodenum with a gastroscope, which is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and esophagus) or colonoscopy (probing the colon) can be prescribed.

Diarrhea and vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of food poisoning. Acute food intoxication develops as a result of eating foods containing microorganisms or toxic substances of non-microbial origin. In addition to microbial poisoning, intoxication with poisons is isolated. In most cases, after one to two hours after eating contaminated food, diarrhea and vomiting begin, headache, weakness, and dizziness may occur. To normalize the condition, first of all, it is necessary to increase the excretion of harmful substances from the body that have not yet been absorbed, and neutralize the influence of those substances that have already been absorbed, resume the normal functioning of the intestines, liver and cardiovascular system. In cases of food poisoning, gastric lavage is prescribed, sorbents are taken orally. The stomach is washed with a large amount of a two to five percent soda solution, taking three to four glasses of this solution inside. To bind and remove harmful substances from the body, they take activated charcoal, smectite, enterosgel, to prevent dehydration of the body and restore acid-base balance – rehydron. Enterosgel in the form of a paste for adults should take one tablespoon three times a day, on average – from seven to fourteen days. Regidron is diluted in a liter of boiled water, cooled to a warm state and taken in small portions after each liquid stool, the solution is shaken before use. Within one hour, drink about ten milliliters per kilogram of body weight. After weakening the symptoms of intoxication, the dose of the drug is reduced to 5-10 ml / kg of body weight after each bowel movement.

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea in most cases is caused by intestinal dysbacteriosis, in which the composition of the microflora is disturbed. Dysbacteriosis can manifest itself as a mild ailment, or more serious disorders. The walls of the intestine during dysbacteriosis become vulnerable to various allergens and toxins, and the protective functions of the liver also decrease. The body absorbs vitamins and minerals worse, metabolic processes worsen, liver and pancreas disorders occur. The following factors can provoke the development of chronic diarrhea:

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Frequent SARS.
• Presence of allergic reactions.
• Age factors contributing to changes in the properties of microflora.
• Stress, emotional overstrain.
• Unbalanced diet.
• Infectious pathologies of the intestines.
• Long-term use of medications, in particular antibacterials.
• Long-term treatment with hormonal drugs, as well as NSAIDs.
• Immunodeficiency states.

Concomitant symptoms of chronic diarrhea are lack of appetite, nausea, unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, belching, pain and bloating in the abdomen, weakness, and sleep disturbances. To diagnose the disease, a microbiological study of feces is carried out, as well as a coprological study to determine the state of the digestive system. Treatment of chronic diarrhea is aimed primarily at eliminating the causes that cause it.

Diarrhea with mucus

Diarrhea with mucus can be caused by a violation of the intestinal microflora, in which mucus contributes to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. Mucus in the feces can appear with polyps or hemorrhoids. With this disease, mucus is a shell for feces and does not form a homogeneous mass with them. Additional symptoms with this pathology are itching in the posterior perineum, bloody discharge from the anus. Intestinal diverticulitis can also cause mucus to pass through bowel movements. Accompanying symptoms in this case are pain in the lower abdomen, localized mainly in its left side, bloating and excessive gas formation.

Diarrhea with mucus in children can appear as a result of insufficient bowel function. This is usually associated with an incorrect and unbalanced diet. This condition is usually accompanied by general malaise, nausea, rumbling in the abdomen. Liquid feces with mucus can also be excreted in irritable bowel syndrome. To differentiate the disease and prescribe treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and conduct a bacteriological study of feces.

Diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea during pregnancy, which occurs mainly in the early stages, may be associated with hormonal changes in the body of a woman in connection with the onset of pregnancy. To alleviate the condition in such cases, it is recommended to eat boiled rice, blueberries, bananas. Dried viburnum fruits can also alleviate the condition. A glass of viburnum fruit should be poured with a liter of boiled hot water and boiled for another ten minutes, then strain and add two to three tablespoons of natural honey to the resulting broth. Take this medicine three times a day for 1/3 cup in the absence of allergic reactions. If the cause of diarrhea during pregnancy was food poisoning, you need to drink plenty of water, you can take rehydron, lactosalt, on the first day, complete fasting is recommended. After the onset of improvements, you can eat some crackers with tea without adding sugar. There is an opinion that diarrhea during pregnancy can be caused by taking vitamin and mineral complexes, drinking unsuitable water. To accurately determine the causes of diarrhea, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Diarrhea with foam

Diarrhea with foam may indicate infectious pathologies of the intestine, accompanied by general malaise, vomiting and temperature reaction. Diarrhea with foam can be the result of intestinal dysbacteriosis, the development of enterocolitis, the presence of worms in the body. In infants, such a disorder can occur when the intestines reject any food. In addition to foam, mucus or a green tint may appear in the stool. To alleviate the condition, it is necessary to balance the diet and exclude irritating foods from the diet. A doctor’s consultation with the appearance of foam in the feces is necessary.

Diarrhea, vomiting, fever

Diarrhea, vomiting, fever are the main signs of an intestinal infection, the causative agents of which can be bacteria or viruses. An accurate diagnosis can be made only after a study of feces, vomit, blood, and water released after gastric lavage. In the first few hours after the onset of anxiety symptoms, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, thereby causing vomiting and helping to cleanse the stomach. To cleanse the large intestine, put an enema with cooled boiled water. The dark color of the urine may indicate a lack of fluid in the body. Normalization of the water-salt balance in intestinal infection is extremely important. For this purpose, you can use, for example, rehydron or the usual decoctions of wild rose, raisins. The temperature of the liquid must be equal to t of the body. With repeated spontaneous vomiting, you should drink often, but little by little, so as not to cause distension of the stomach. Refusal to eat and drink plenty of water with diarrhea, vomiting and fever are a necessary condition. If you experience diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, call your doctor immediately. Drug treatment of intestinal infections is carried out in a hospital under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Severe diarrhea

Severe diarrhea can be observed with diarrhea of ​​the small intestine. It can occur both with food intoxication and with intestinal infections. Often such stools are watery, may contain food debris and flow without pain in the abdomen. Bile acids and peptide molecules can enhance the release of water and ions. Severe diarrhea can occur when the absorption of bile and fatty acids is impaired, such as Crohn’s disease.

How diarrhea is recognized

Fluid and electrolyte status and degree of dehydration should be assessed. A complete examination with a study of the abdomen and a digital examination of the rectum for the consistency of the sphincter, overt and latent blood in the feces is necessary. Extra-abdominal findings that help establish the etiology of the disease include lesions or flushing of the skin (labrotytosis), thyroid nodules (medullary thyroid carcinoma), right-sided heart murmur (carcinoid), lymphadenopathy (lymphoma, AIDS), and arthritis (inflammatory bowel disease).

Instrumental examination

Acute diarrhea (> 4 days) usually does not require investigation. The exception is patients with signs of dehydration, bloody stools, fever, severe pain, hypotension or intoxication, and especially young or very old people. These patients need to perform a complete blood count and the determination of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Stool specimens should be taken for microscopy, culture, stool leukocyte testing, and, if antibiotics have been recently used, testing for Clostridium difficile toxin.

Chronic diarrhea (< 4 weeks) requires determination of the etiology in immunocompromised patients or those with signs of severe illness, as other cases present with shorter (1-3 weeks) episodes of diarrhea. Initial stool examination should include culture, leukocytes in stool (detected by smear or determination of lactoferrin in stool), microscopic examination for eggs and parasites, pH determination (bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates lowers the stool pH of Giardia and Aeromonas, Plesiomonas, coccidia and microsporidia. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy is performed to identify the inflammatory etiology of the disease.

If the diagnosis is not confirmed and the Sudan stain for fat is positive, determination of stool fat excretion is necessary, followed by radiopaque examination of the small intestine and CT of the abdomen (structural abnormalities) and endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine (mucosal disease). If the assessment does not lead to a positive result, it is necessary to examine the structure and function of the pancreas.

Osmotic interval of stool [290 – 2 x (Na in stool + K in stool)] indicates whether the diarrhea is secretory or osmotic. An osmotic gap less than 50 mEq/L indicates secretory diarrhea; a longer interval suggests osmotic diarrhea. The cause of osmotic diarrhea may be the secret use by patients of Mg-containing laxatives (determination of the level of Mg in the stool), causing malabsorption of carbohydrates (diagnosed by a hydrogen breath test, determination of lactose and a nutritional questionnaire).

Secretory diarrhea of ​​unknown cause warrants further investigation [eg, plasma gastrin, calcitonin, urinary levels of VIP, histamine, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HI-UA)] due to possible endocrine disturbances. An analysis of the symptoms and signs inherent in thyroid disease and adrenal insufficiency should be made. We must not forget about the secret abuse of laxatives; this can be ruled out by examining feces for the presence of laxatives.

Diarrhea: folk remedies

When treating a disorder such as diarrhea, folk remedies can have a fairly effective effect. You can use for this purpose, for example, rye bread crumbs, softened with warm water. Crackers are left in water for fifteen to twenty minutes, after which the resulting mixture is taken orally throughout the day. Shelled walnuts can also be used as a remedy for diarrhea. One tablespoon of nuts is placed in half a liter of boiled hot water and filtered after twenty to twenty-five minutes, after which they take about 150 grams of broth once a day. Oak bark also has astringent properties and can help with diarrhea. One teaspoon of oak bark is diluted with one and a half glasses of water and boiled over low heat for ten minutes until a homogeneous liquid is obtained. The resulting decoction is taken three times a day, one tablespoon.

Diarrhea diet

The diarrhea diet is designed to restore the normal metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and the condition of the intestinal mucosa. It is recommended to eat mashed rice and buckwheat boiled in water, steamed meat, vegetable broths. It is forbidden to consume dairy products, spicy and fried foods, smoked meats, alcoholic beverages, juice, soda, cabbage. There is no doubt that proper nutrition is important in the treatment of diarrhea. An approximate diet for a condition such as diarrhea may be as follows:

• First breakfast – oatmeal boiled in water
• Second breakfast – infusion of dried blueberries
• Lunch – meat broth + semolina or steamed meatballs, rice porridge, rubbed on water + kissel
• Snack – rosehip infusion without added sugar
• Dinner – steamed omelet + pureed buckwheat and tea.

Green feces in adults and children

What is feces

Feces (stool, feces) – the end product of digestion, which is formed in the gastrointestinal tract and excreted from the body during defecation. In fact, this is a waste material from which all substances useful for the body are squeezed out.

Fecal components:

• water: makes up up to 75% of faeces. Its main task is to dissolve toxic substances and soften the feces so that it moves freely through the intestines;
• solids: undigested plant and muscle fibers, fats, toxins, and beneficial bacteria that help break down food.

The main properties of feces: quantity, texture, shape, color and smell. Changes in these parameters can be signs of various diseases.

The normal consistency of the feces is dense, the shape is cylindrical, the thickness is 2–4 cm. It is this feces that is called formed. The normal color of feces is brown, which can vary from light to dark shades depending on eating habits.

The color of feces can change for many reasons – from the use of coloring foods to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver pathologies, intestinal infections, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Physiological causes of green stools

Normally, green stools may appear after eating certain foods and taking certain medications.

Products that color stool green

Foods that contain chlorophyll, a green pigment needed by plants for photosynthesis, can color feces green.

Foods rich in chlorophyll:

• parsley,
• celery,
• leeks,
• dill,
• broccoli,
• spinach,
• collard greens,
• green asparagus beans,
• arugula,
• watercress,
• zucchini,
• cucumbers.

Green vegetables contain chlorophyll, which can color stools

If such foods appear in the diet, then the feces may acquire a green color. At the same time, the frequency of defecation does not change, the stool is formed and does not have a putrid odor. As a rule, after a couple of days, the color of the feces returns to normal.

Also, green stool occurs after eating sweets, marmalade, jelly and other products dyed with chemical dyes.

Medicinal products

Drugs that contain iron can change the color of feces to green and are often prescribed to treat iron deficiency anemia.

Iron is excreted in the feces and may turn feces green. The symptom persists during treatment, then gradually disappears.

Pathological causes of green stools

Green feces may indicate pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, intestinal infections, food poisoning.

Pathologies of the liver and gallbladder

If the color of the feces turned green, and dull pains and heaviness appeared in the right hypochondrium, it is possible that the work of the liver and gallbladder was disturbed.

Diseases of the liver and gallbladder, in which feces can turn green:

• viral hepatitis — an infectious and inflammatory disease of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses;
• biliary dyskinesia – disruption of the walls of the gallbladder and bile ducts;
• gallbladder dysfunction – a violation of emptying and filling, in which the outflow of bile from the organ is difficult;
• postcholecystectomy syndrome is a complex of symptoms that can develop after removal of the gallbladder.

As a rule, during exacerbation of diseases of the liver and gallbladder, the stool turns from green to grayish-white.

Intestinal infections

One of the causes of green stool in children and adults is intestinal infections caused by pathogens. For example, salmonellosis is an infectious disease of the digestive system, which is provoked by bacteria of the genus Salmonella.

Salmonella is a microscopic bacillus covered with long flagella that help it move

You can become infected with salmonellosis if you eat raw or undercooked eggs, meat and dairy products, as well as if you come into contact with infected pets and poultry.

Main symptoms of salmonellosis:

• high temperature;
• headache;
• weakness, aching muscles;
• abdominal pain;
• nausea, frequent vomiting;
• green feces;
• offensive stools, often watery or frothy;
• pale skin;
• plaque on the tongue.

2-3 days after the onset of the first symptoms of salmonellosis, streaks of blood and mucus may be found in the stool. The patient is worried about pain in the abdomen, painful urge to defecate.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease, or celiac disease, is a chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, which occurs due to intolerance to gluten (a protein found in cereals: rye, barley, wheat).

Celiac disease – gluten intolerance, has a genetic background

Main symptoms of celiac disease:

• diarrhea;
• fetid greenish stools;
• steatorrhea – excess fat in the feces;
• weight loss;
• polyhypovitaminosis is a lack of groups of vitamins in the body.

As a rule, the first symptoms of celiac disease in women appear at 30-40 years of age, in men a little later – at 40-50 years of age.

Green feces in children

Children in the first 2-3 days after birth excrete dark green stool – meconium. This is the norm. Then the feces lighten and acquire a light brown or yellowish tint.

Children aged 1.5–2 years may also have green stools. This is possible if the child is breastfed and the mother’s diet contains a large amount of foods rich in chlorophyll (parsley, celery, leeks, dill, cucumbers, etc.).

In addition, the stool may turn green when changing from one formula to another, when there is an excess of sugar or iron in the mixture, when solid food is introduced into the baby’s diet. In this case, you can adjust the diet and choose the right mixture.

If, after replacing the mixture, the feces still remain green, you need to contact a pediatrician – the reason may be a violation of the baby’s intestinal microflora.

Green stool in children older than 2 years is normal when eating foods containing chlorophyll or chemical dyes.

Pathological causes of green stool in children:

• infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
• congenital pathologies of the digestive tract.

As a rule, when it comes to pathology, in addition to green stool, the child has other symptoms.

Concomitant symptoms of gastrointestinal pathologies in children:

• fever;
• chills;
• cold sweat;
• nausea and vomiting;
• poor appetite;
• abdominal pain;
• impurities of blood, mucus, pus in the feces;
• bloating;
• rash on body;
• weakness, tearfulness.

To find out the reasons for the ailment, you need to visit a pediatrician. He will carefully listen to the complaints of the child or parents (if the baby cannot yet tell about his state of health), conduct an examination and refer the patient for additional examinations: a complete blood count, a complete urinalysis, a stool test, a swab from the anus.

Biochemical analysis cala

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Diagnosis of diseases causing green stools

A single appearance of green stool after eating foods containing chlorophyll or chemical dyes is a normal variant.

If green stool is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, signs of intoxication), then we can talk about a serious illness. In this case, you should immediately contact a doctor – a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

At the appointment, the specialist will interview the patient, clarify whether he is taking any medications, conduct an examination and, if necessary, refer him for additional examinations and tests.

To assess the general condition of a person and identify possible violations of the gastrointestinal tract, basic studies will help – analysis of blood, urine and feces.

Biochemistry 13 indicators

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Complete urinalysis

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Biochemical analysis of feces 900 03

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If the doctor suspects that the microflora has been disturbed due to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa), he can refer the patient to targeted studies that will help identify and eliminate the root cause of the violation of the intestinal microflora.

Pancreas

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Lipase

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Pancreatic amylase

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Viral hepatitis B and C: molecular screening

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Coprogram

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Intestinal infections can be diagnosed using tests for individual pathogens.

Sowing for salmonellosis (Salmonella spp.)

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If celiac disease is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient to tests that will help identify a hereditary disease and adjust the diet so as to avoid unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Celiac disease

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Celiac disease: advanced screening

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Treatment of diseases causing green stool

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pathology. Thus, in case of infections, therapy will be aimed at destroying pathogenic bacteria or viruses, in case of gastritis, it will be aimed at restoring the gastric mucosa.