Mucus in baby stool is a common occurrence and is usually not a cause for concern. The intestines naturally secrete mucus to help stool pass more effectively through the intestines, and babies stools are usually mostly mucus-containing because milk is used so efficiently that residual waste is minimized. However, sometimes mucus in baby poop can be a sign of an underlying issue. Some possible causes of mucus in baby stool include:
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Infection: A bacterial or viral infection can irritate the intestines and lead to inflammation, resulting in increased mucus in babys poop. Additional symptoms that could indicate infection include fever and irritability.
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Food allergy: Some babies are allergic to cows milk proteins, and this type of allergy is known as allergic colitis. Symptoms can include blood or mucus in the stool, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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Teething: Excessive saliva in the digestive tract and teething pain may irritate the intestines, which increases the amount of mucus in babys stool.
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Cystic fibrosis: Babies with cystic fibrosis may also have a lot of mucus in their stools. This mucus is generally oily and has a foul odor.
If a baby has a lot of mucus in their stool, mucus in several stools in a row, or mucus with diarrhea, it may indicate an underlying issue. In this case, it is important to contact a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.