Why Are Pus Cells Found in Stool?
Pus cells are commonly found in healthy stool, and they help to ease the passage of stool, according to About Health. However, these pus cells are not visible to the human eye. If pus, or mucus, is visible in the stool, this can indicate the presence of a disease or condition.
Some common digestive conditions cause mucus in the stool, including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, according to About Health. Other causes for visible mucus in the stool include Crohn’s disease, an obstructed bowel, an anal fissure or a bacterial infection. When mucus is present in the stool and a person has not been diagnosed with a condition that causes mucus in the stool, a doctor should be visited. Other symptoms that may accompany mucus in the stool include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, and these symptoms all indicate the need for medical attention.
Mucus in the stool is produced by the mucous membrane of the large intestine, and can be white, yellow or clear, according to About Health. With the consistency of jelly, mucus can indicate the need for immediate medical treatment in the case of an obstructed bowel. In this case, abdominal distension and severe cramping typically occur along with the passage of mucus.
