Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Ask the Expert

Dr. Cross’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Inflammatory Bowel Disease questions by
e-mailing Dr. Cross.

Dr. Cross’s Bio | Q&A Archive

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Video details

Do Not Remove This Text

Related Content


 

Tenesmus - Treatment

Alternative Names

Pain - passing stool; Painful stools; Difficulty passing stool

Home Care:

If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.

Call your health care provider if:

Contact your health care provider tenesmus if 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 health care provider's office:

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 (complete 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
  • Reviewed last on: 11/13/2007
  • 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.