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Parasites That Cause Excessive Mucus
While human waste, sometimes called “stool,” always contains a small amount of mucus, an excessive amount of mucus can indicate a problem 2. Cause for excess mucus can range from a gastrointestinal disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, to cancer 2. A patient experiencing excess mucus in his stools should consult a doctor to find out the cause, but the symptoms can also be caused by a parasite infection.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Protozoa
A protozoa is a single-celled organism that can reproduce in the human body, causing serious illness. Common examples of protozoa are giardia, a microscopic organism that grows in the small intestine, and cryptosporidium. Aside from excessive mucus in the stool, protozoa infections can also cause symptoms that include diarrhea, bloating, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Helminth
What Are the Causes of Rectal Mucus?
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A helminth is a parasite with many cells, commonly referred to as a worm. Examples of helminths that can infect humans and cause excessive mucus in the stool include roundworms, tapeworms and pinworms. In contrast to protozoa, a helminth in its adult form cannot reproduce inside the human body. In addition to excess or bloody mucus in the stool, helminthes can also cause fatigue and weight loss 2. A person infected may also see a worm pass in his stool 2.
- A helminth is a parasite with many cells, commonly referred to as a worm.
- Examples of helminths that can infect humans and cause excessive mucus in the stool include roundworms, tapeworms and pinworms.
Causes
Parasites that infect humans causing excessive mucus and other symptoms are typically acquired via contact with infected excrement or water supplies. Hikers and campers can be particularly susceptible if they drink from untreated water sources while engaged in those activities. Travelers to foreign countries may also be at a higher risk, due to lower standards of water sanitation. You might also be more susceptible to infection if your immune system is compromised by illness or age.
- Parasites that infect humans causing excessive mucus and other symptoms are typically acquired via contact with infected excrement or water supplies.
- You might also be more susceptible to infection if your immune system is compromised by illness or age.
Treatments
Symptoms of Intestinal Worms
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Traditional medical treatments are available and may include a single dose or up to two to three weeks of treatment, depending on the cause. In addition, natural remedies can be used to help make the intestinal environment inhospitable for the parasite 1. Suggestions include high doses of Vitamin C, as tolerated; increased fiber intake; increased water intake; and reduction of simple carbohydrates.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Intestinal Parasites
- Mayo Clinic; Mucus in Stool: Is It a Concern?; Michael F. Picco, M.D.; March 2010
- Cornick S, Tawiah A, Chadee K. Roles and regulation of the mucus barrier in the gut. Tissue Barriers. 2015;3(1-2):e982426. doi:10.4161/21688370.2014.982426
- Kamphuis JBJ, Mercier-bonin M, Eutamène H, Theodorou V. Mucus organisation is shaped by colonic content; a new view. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):8527. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-08938-3
- Soares RL. Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(34):12144-60. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12144
- Tai IC, Huang YC, Lien RI, Huang CG, Tsao KC, Lin TY. Clinical manifestations of a cluster of rotavirus infection in young infants hospitalized in neonatal care units. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2012;45(1):15-21. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2011.09.023
- Waljee AK, Joyce JC, Wren PA, Khan TM, Higgins PD. Patient reported symptoms during an ulcerative colitis flare: a Qualitative Focus Group Study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009;21(5):558-64. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e328326cacb
- Ghoshal UC, Abraham P, Bhatt C, et al. "Epidemiological and clinical profile of irritable bowel syndrome in India: report of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology Task Force." Indian J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jan-Feb;27:22-28.
- Kornbluth A, Sachar DB; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. "Ulcerative colitis practice guidelines in adults: American College Of Gastroenterology, Practice Parameters Committee." Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105:501-523. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2009.727
- Sun J, Shen X, Li Y, et al. "Therapeutic Potential to Modify the Mucus Barrier in Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Nutrients. 2016 Jan 14;8. pii: E44. doi: 10.3390/nu8010044
- Tai IC, Huang YC, Lien RI, et al. "Clinical manifestations of a cluster of rotavirus infection in young infants hospitalized in neonatal care units." J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2012 Feb;45:15-21. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2011.09.023
- Zhu L, Huang D, Shi L, et al."Intestinal symptoms and psychological factors jointly affect quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea." Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2015 Apr 18;13:49. doi: 10.1186/s12955
Writer Bio
Suzanne Schuetter has been writing for a weekly business news publication for more than five years. She earned a bachelor's degree in communication and journalism from Columbia Union College and has completed coursework toward a master's degree in journalism from Ohio University.