Rectal tenesmus is a situation characterized by the intense urge to evacuate, but there is no elimination of feces, so that there is a sensation of incomplete emptying of the large intestine, even if there is no feces to expel.
Tenesmus is associated with intestinal changes, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal infection, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps.
Treatment for tenesmus must be guided by a gastroenterologist and depends on the disease that is causing the condition, and can be done with medication, changing eating and lifestyle habits and/or biofeedback (pelvic floor physiotherapy).
Rectal tenesmus symptoms
The main signs and symptoms of rectal tenesmus are:
- Urgent urge to defecate, even if there is no feces to eliminate;
- Sensation of incomplete emptying;
- Lack of evacuation, even when there is a strong desire;
- Abdominal pain and cramps;
- Pain in the rectum.
Depending on the cause of tenesmus, other symptoms may appear, such as fever, chills, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
In the presence of signs indicating tenesmus, it is important that the gastroenterologist is consulted to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause so that the most appropriate treatment can then be initiated.
Difference between rectal tenesmus and bladder tenesmus
Rectal tenesmus is characterized by the intense urge to evacuate, with a feeling that feces still remain in the rectum. On the other hand, bladder tenesmus is related to the bladder, in which there is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, even when it is empty. Learn more about bladder tenesmus.
Possible causes
The main causes of rectal tenesmus are:
1. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, can cause symptoms such as bloating, fever, severe diarrhea and tenesmus.
2. Intestinal infection
Intestinal infection by bacteria, viruses or parasites can also cause tenesmus, in addition to other symptoms such as cramps and abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fever, in some cases. Know how to recognize the symptoms of intestinal infection.
3. Anal abscess
Anal abscess consists of the formation of a cavity filled with pus in the skin in the region around the anus, which can cause symptoms such as pain, especially when evacuating or sitting, the appearance of a painful lump in the anal region, bleeding or elimination of yellowish secretion, rectal tenesmus may also occur. Learn more about anal abscess.
4. Rectal cancer
Rectal cancer can cause symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or tenesmus, which can be difficult to identify, because these are signs that can also occur due to common problems, such as intestinal infection or hemorrhoids. See other symptoms of rectal cancer.
5. Diverticulose
Diverticulosis is a change in the intestine characterized by the formation of diverticula, which are small pockets present in the intestinal mucosa, which form when points on the intestinal wall are fragile, and end up being projected to the outside due to intestinal contractions. They generally do not cause symptoms, except when they become inflamed or infected, giving rise to diverticulitis.
6. Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea and, in some cases, tenesmus. People with this syndrome are especially sensitive to stimuli, such as stress, diet, medications or hormones, that can cause abnormal contractions in the intestine or elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. See more about irritable bowel syndrome.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of tenesmus is made by the gastroenterologist initially by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person, and also by evaluating intestinal habits, diet and lifestyle.
To identify the cause of tenesmus, the doctor may recommend blood tests and stool analysis, as well as computed tomography, colonoscopy and/or rectosigmoidoscopy.
How the treatment is carried out
Tenesmus treatment must be guided by a gastroenterologist and may vary according to the cause. Therefore, the doctor may recommend the use of intestinal anti-inflammatory medications or oral or rectal corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and help alleviate the symptoms of tenesmus.
If tenesmus is related to infections, the use of antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be recommended to combat the infection and thus promote symptom relief and combat tenesmus.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of laxatives, for people who suffer from tenesmus associated with constipation or for those who have intestinal motility disorders, analgesics to relieve pain and avoid some foods that may be causing intestinal changes. .
Natural treatment
In addition to drug treatment, there are measures that can help alleviate or even resolve tenesmus. To achieve this, it is very important to adopt a balanced diet, rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, beans and lentils, seeds and nuts, drink lots of water, practice physical exercise regularly, in order to establish good bowel function and reduce the stress.
