Tenesmus
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, which may be caused by an infection or by other conditions. Tenesmus is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite straining, little stool is passed.
Causes
Home Care
If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider tenesmus continues, whether it is constant or comes and goes. Also call if you have abdominal pain, fever, chills, blood in the stool, nausea, or vomiting. Such symptoms could be a sign of an underlying disorder.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:
- Time pattern
- Did this develop recently?
- Is it the first time you have had tenesmus?
- Does the feeling come and go or is it constant?
- Symptom history
- Do you have a constant need to empty the bowels?
- Do you have abdominal pain?
- Do you have cramping?
- Do you have a persistent feeling of straining?
- Do you have diarrhea or vomiting?
- What other symptoms do you have (such as blood in stool, fever)?
- Dietary history
- Have you eaten anything unusual or uncooked?
- Have you been at a picnic, gathering, or similar event recently?
- Other
- Any medical problems in the past?
- Have any other people in your family or social group experienced similar problems?
The physical examination may include a detailed abdominal examination. A rectal examination -- and prostate check for men -- is 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
Review Date:
11/13/2007
Reviewed By:
Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
