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Rectal Tenesmus: Causes and Treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The tenesmus is a condition that develops in the final part of the gastrointestinal tract, comprising the colon, rectum, and anus. It is defined as a reflex caused by irritation in this area that gives the sensation of wanting to defecate continuously or to continue to do so even when the intestines are already empty since continuing to try it is not possible, or many times they can only defecate small amounts.

In addition, other symptoms of rectal tenesmus such as pain, difficulty in passing stools, and colic are frequently observed. As such, rectal tenesmus is not a disease but an indication of a significant pathology and can be accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, nausea, and vomiting.

Although you must go to the doctor for a complete review and define what is causing this condition, FastlyHealwe wants to inform you about rectal urgency: causes and treatment.

Some Causes of Rectal Tenesmus

Rectal tenesmus can occur for various reasons, mainly related to inflammatory diseases of the intestines due to an infection or other more severe pathology. Depending on the type of condition and the degree to which it is found, it can affect part or all of the gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Among the most common conditions that cause rectal urgency is Crohn’s disease; it is unknown what causes it. Still, it is considered an autoimmune reaction in which the same body mistakenly attacks the intestine, producing inflammation and ulcers that can develop throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Both conditions make it difficult to pass stool usually. On the other hand, a different but widespread pathology that produces ulcers and inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Also autoimmune, it begins by affecting the rectum with the possibility of spreading to the colon. Both diseases could cause other inflammatory conditions of the rectum, such as rectitis or proctitis, although other causes can also cause them. It generally affects the mucosa in this area and may develop diffusely or in ulcers.

Colon cancer

In addition, symptoms such as pain when defecating or the sensation of insufficient evacuation may also appear even if you make an effort. Likewise, the development of a colorectal tumor or cancer is another cause of rectal urgency since it causes inflammation of the walls of the colon or rectum, narrowing the area where stool passes and preventing its regular elimination.

Anorectal abscesses or rectocele

On the other hand, there are causes of rectal tenesmus that are not directly related to inflammation, such as anorectal abscesses and rectocele. The first condition is frequently caused by a bacterial infection that has managed to pass through a fissure or wound in the anus, which obstructs the anal glands. They become infected, and there is an accumulation of pus in the rectum throughout the year. While the rectocele occurs due to a weakening in the walls that support and separate the vagina from the rectum, causing the wall of the rectum to extend, invading part of the vaginal area, this makes it challenging to eliminate stool correctly; it can cause pressure on the rectum, constipation and the sensation of insufficient evacuation.

Conditions such as constipation or diarrhea can cause renal urgency and are considered motility disorders. Although they are primarily symptoms of significant pathology, by themselves, they are characterized by the discomfort that occurs when defecating and the feeling of wanting to evacuate even if you have tried to do so repeatedly.

Treatment to relieve rectal urgency

To combat the symptoms of rectal tenesmus, it is first necessary to identify the pathology causing it since there is no specific treatment for this disorder. For this reason, if you have discomfort when you want to defecate, do not hesitate to go to the doctor for a correct diagnosis and give you the treatment that best suits your condition. In addition, many of these diseases can have more severe consequences, and the sooner they are fought, the more likely it is to achieve good results.

Thus, it is expected that the state of rectal urgency will improve by combating the causative condition. In general, if it is an inflammatory disease of the intestines, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories accompanied by antibiotics if bacteria or immunosuppressants cause it if it is due to an autoimmune disease, such as ulcerative colitis. In other particular cases, the doctor will be the one who indicates the necessary drugs and doses.

On the other hand, if the rectal tenesmus results from a motility disorder, the specialist may indicate antibiotics in case it is diarrhea due to bacteria or parasites. On the other hand, if a virus causes the infection, only drugs will be given to alleviate other discomforts until it disappears. Due to constipation, the doctor may prescribe a laxative or medicine that softens the stool and favors evacuation.

In addition to these treatments to relieve rectal urgency, a series of daily practices can be implemented to help improve or prevent the appearance of this condition. The first thing that is usually done is a change in diet and adding more foods rich in fiber, avoiding those that produce gas and foods that are difficult to digest, and consuming plenty of fluids. With this contribution of fiber and water, the stool will be softer and stimulate the evacuation with fewer ailments. If an exercise routine also accompanies it, the stimulation of the bowel movement will be greater.

Primary symptoms of the pathology

Generally, rectal tenesmus usually appears together with constipation, which can become constant and last for several days.

It is essential to carry out regular medical checks and make a visit if rectal urgency is suspected, especially if symptoms such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Fever.
  • Shaking chills.
  • Bloody stools.
  • Stomach ache.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Rectal Tenesmus: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .

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