What are the symptoms of tenesmus? What causes tenesmus? How is tenesmus treated? Get answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Tenesmus: Symptoms and Causes

Tenesmus is the frequent and urgent feeling that you need to pass stool, even if your bowels are already empty. This condition can involve straining and discomfort during bowel movements, often resulting in only a small amount of stool being passed. The primary symptoms of tenesmus include:

• Frequently feeling the need to pass stool
• Urgency to evacuate the bowels
• Straining and discomfort during bowel movements
• Passing only a small amount of stool
• Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels

Tenesmus can be a symptom of various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including:

1. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
2. Constipation
3. Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
5. Rectal prolapse
6. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of the rectum
7. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections of the colon
8. Anorectal motility disorders
9. Certain types of abdominal surgery
10. Rectal abscesses
11. Colorectal cancer

Diagnosing the Cause of Tenesmus

To diagnose the underlying cause of tenesmus, your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms, such as weight loss or bloody stools. They may also order various tests, including:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Imaging studies (radiography, MRI, CT scan)
• Assessment of stool samples to check for infections
• Blood tests
• Anorectal manometry

If an STI is suspected, your healthcare provider may take a rectal culture and perform bloodwork.

Treating Tenesmus: Home Remedies and Medical Interventions

The treatment for tenesmus depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is related to IBD, IBS, constipation, or a motility disorder, you can try the following home remedies:

• Eating a high-fiber diet (at least 20 grams of fiber per day)
• Drinking more water (11.5 cups for women, 15.5 cups for men per day)
• Engaging in regular physical activity to stimulate intestinal movement
• Practicing bowel training techniques, such as setting a schedule for bowel movements and relaxing your muscles during attempts to pass stool

For more severe or persistent cases of tenesmus, your healthcare provider may recommend medical treatment, such as:

1. Medications to reduce inflammation or improve intestinal function
2. Antibiotics to treat underlying infections
3. Surgical interventions for certain conditions, such as rectal prolapse or colorectal cancer

Preventing Tenesmus: Lifestyle Changes and Addressing Underlying Conditions

To prevent tenesmus, it’s important to address the underlying condition that is causing the symptom. This may involve making dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as seeking medical treatment for any underlying GI conditions. By managing the root cause of tenesmus, you can help alleviate the frequent and uncomfortable urge to pass stool.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention for Tenesmus

If you are experiencing persistent or severe tenesmus, it’s important to seek medical attention. Tenesmus can be a symptom of a variety of underlying conditions, some of which may be serious. By working with your healthcare provider to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment, you can find relief and prevent the condition from worsening.

Key Takeaways

Tenesmus is the frequent and urgent feeling of needing to pass stool, even when the bowels are empty. It can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation, and infections. Diagnosing the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, which may involve home remedies, medication, or in some cases, surgical intervention. By addressing the root cause and making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent and manage tenesmus.

FAQs

What is the difference between tenesmus and constipation?. Tenesmus is the feeling of needing to pass stool, even when the bowels are already empty. Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of stool. While tenesmus can be a symptom of constipation, the two conditions are not the same.

Can stress cause tenesmus?. Yes, stress can be a contributing factor to tenesmus, particularly in people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stress can affect the functioning of the digestive system and lead to the uncomfortable feeling of needing to pass stool.

Is tenesmus a sign of colorectal cancer?. Tenesmus can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, as the tumor may cause a blockage or obstruction in the digestive tract. However, tenesmus can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you are experiencing persistent tenesmus, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation.