| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Tenesmus is the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts. |
| Alternative Names | Pain - passing stool; Painful stools; Difficulty passing stool |
| Considerations | Tenesmus is generally associated with inflammatory diseases of the bowel of both infectious and noninfectious origin. It is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite straining, little stool is passed. |
| Common Causes | Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Anorectal abscess Infectious colitis (infection of the colon) Colorectal cancer or tumors Radiation proctitis or colitis (inflammation of the colon or rectum from radiation) |
| Home Care | If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake. |
| Call your health care provider if | Tenesmus continues, whether continuously or intermittently. Contact your doctor if there are associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, chills, blood in the stool, nausea, or vomiting. It may be a sign of an underlying disorder. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting tenesmus in detail may include: Time pattern Did this develop recently? Is it the first time you have experienced this? Does the feeling come and go or is it constant? Symptom history Is there a constant need to empty the bowels? Is there abdominal pain ? Is there cramping? Is there a persistent feeling of straining? Is there diarrhea or vomiting ? What other symptoms are also present? (such as blood in stool , fever ) General medical history Any medical problems in the past? Dietary history Have you eaten anything unusual or uncooked? Have you been at a picnic, gathering, or similar event recently? Other Have any other people in your family or social group experienced similar problem(s)? The physical examination may include a detailed abdominal examination. A rectal examination (and prostate check for men) may be performed in most cases. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Laboratory tests: CBC (blood count), electrolytes, and stool cultures X-rays of the abdomen A CT scan of the abdomen may be done in rare instances Colonoscopy to look at the colon and rectum After seeing your health care provider: You may want to add a diagnosis related to tenesmus to your personal medical record. |
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