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

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

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

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:

• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• CT scan
• MRI
• Stool test
• Blood test

Treatment

Treatment for tenesmus focuses on treating the underlying condition causing the symptom. This can include:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Dietary changes
• Stress management

See also

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Colorectal cancer
• Rectal cancer