Mucous Colitis

Mucous colitis is an old term that has been used to refer to irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder of bowel functioning that involves digestive discomfort without obvious structural damage.

How it usually presents: Abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, changes in the rhythm of bowel movements—with a tendency toward constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two—and sometimes the presence of mucus in the stools.

When it's worth consulting: In the case of persistent digestive symptoms or ones that change from what is usual, an evaluation helps understand the condition and rule out other causes.

Who to see? The gastroenterologist studies this type of digestive system disorder; in children, the pediatric gastroenterologist and pediatrician follow the case. Discussing the symptoms with a professional makes it possible to guide the follow-up and resolve any concerns that arise.