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Tenesmus is the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts.
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.
If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.
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.
The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:
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:
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.
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