Jen asks:
Question: I have never pooped normally my whole life and I was wondering if in my case scenario anal mucus is normal, and if so what can I do to be rid of it? Laxatives give me severe cramps, and I can't take them any more.
Dr. Adams responds:
Hello,
It is normal to have a small amount of anal mucous expelled with a bowel movement. The small and large intestine does certainly secrete a very large amount of mucous into the intestinal lumen on a daily basis, but most of this mucous is broken down by the time it reaches the anus. However, some digestive diseases are associated with larger amounts of expelled mucous. One example is inflammatory bowel disease. Are you observing any blood with your bowel movements? Are you in any pain? Also, what do you mean when you say "I have never pooped normally my whole life"??? I am not sure what this means. How old are you? I need more information please.
thanks,
-- Dr. Adams
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Dr. Adams is a resident in the Department of Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hopsital in Manhasset, NY. Got a question for him?