Tenesmus

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Lower digestive anatomy

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Tenesmus

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.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Anorectal abscess
• Infectious colitis (infection of the colon)
• Colorectal cancer or tumors
• Radiation proctitis or colitis (inflammation of the colon or rectum from radiation)

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