Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a medical symptom that involves a feeling of constantly needing to empty the bowels, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite this feeling, little or no stool is expelled. Tenesmus is a symptom of certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Causes[edit | edit source]
Tenesmus is most commonly associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It can also be a symptom of other conditions, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Colorectal cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Infections of the intestines
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
- Anorectal abscess
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissure
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The main symptom of tenesmus is a constant feeling of needing to empty the bowels. This can be accompanied by:
- Pain
- Cramping
- Straining
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of tenesmus typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause, such as:
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for tenesmus focuses on treating the underlying condition causing the symptom. This can include:
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD