While stool is not a topic that most people like to discuss or even think about, any change or abnormality in stool can be indicative of health problems and should be investigated. A small amount of mucus in the stool is normal and necessary, but visible amounts can be the result of a number of different medical conditions. Pus in the stool is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it can also suggest Crohn's disease, an intestinal blockage, anal fissures, infections, or colitis. It can also be indicative of the presence of an abscess somewhere along the digestive tract.
A small amount of mucus is needed to move waste through the digestive tract, but pus differs from mucus in its consistency and color. Pus in the stool will appear as a thick white, yellow, or, rarely, green substance. Pus is made up of white blood cells, debris from other cells, and dead tissue. It is generated in the body in response to an infection, often caused by a buildup of bacteria. While a single instance in the stool is not a cause for alarm, repeated or chronic pus in the stool requires further investigation.
There are two main types of digestive conditions that can cause pus cells to be present in the stool. One is irritable bowel syndrome and the other is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses the two conditions known as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in adults and adolescents, and is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, gas, cramps, and severe constipation or diarrhea. Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and is indicated by abdominal pain, severe tiredness, fever, and weight loss. In the case of ulcerative colitis, people experience severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, fever, and joint pain. Both IBS and IBD can be managed through diet and medical management.
When pus builds up in the body, abscesses can cause intestinal blockages and make it difficult for waste to pass through. Abscesses need to be treated promptly because they can carry dangerous amounts of bacteria and can cause major problems if they burst. If there is an intestinal blockage, or chronic constipation occurs, a person may experience an anal fissure. This is a break in the skin around the rectal opening that causes bleeding and pus in the stool. Most fissures can be treated at home, but some may require minor surgery. If the pus in the stool is accompanied by blood, fever, or severe abdominal pain, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible.