Tenesmus
Tenesmus
Tenesmus (pronounced: teh-NEZ-mus) is a medical term used to describe the feeling of a continual or recurrent inclination to evacuate the bowels, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts, but with little or no fecal discharge. It is often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, and certain infections.
Etymology
The term "tenesmus" originates from the Greek word "teinesmos", which means "straining".
Symptoms
Tenesmus is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, even when the bowels are empty. This can cause discomfort, pain, and involuntary straining. It can occur with both diarrhea and constipation. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness.
Causes
Tenesmus is most commonly associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It can also be a symptom of colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, or an infection in the digestive tract. Other causes may include irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
Treatment
Treatment for tenesmus typically involves addressing the underlying condition causing the symptom. This may include medications to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to treat infection, or surgery in the case of cancer. Dietary changes and stress management techniques may also be recommended.
Related Terms
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tenesmus
- Wikipedia's article - Tenesmus
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