Published on: 4/7/2025
Yellow mucus discharge from your anus without stool can happen when the lining of your rectum or anus is irritated or inflamed and may need further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Your digestive system naturally produces mucus to protect the lining of your gut. Sometimes, if the lining of your rectum or anus gets irritated or inflamed, your body may make extra mucus. Common causes include various types of infections (such as bacterial or viral), inflammation of the rectum (a condition known as proctitis), other inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract, or hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum and anus that can become irritated). These conditions can trigger the body's natural defense mechanisms, leading to increased mucus production in the affected area. In some cases, changes in mucus may indicate more serious conditions like colorectal cancer, which typically presents with additional symptoms such as bleeding or changes in bowel habits. If you have yellow mucus discharge from your anus without stool, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider, especially if the discharge persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms.
(References)
Johansson ME, Sjövall H, Hansson GC. The gastrointestinal mucus system in health and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jun;10(6):352-61. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2013.35. Epub 2013 Mar 12. PMID: 23478383; PMCID: PMC3758667.
Duan B, Zhao Y, Bai J, et al. Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. In: Morgado-Diaz JA, editor. Gastrointestinal Cancers [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2022 Sep 30. Chapter 1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586003/doi: 10.36255/exon-publications-gastrointestinal-cancers-colorectal-cancer
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