Tenesmus

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting tenesmus in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  • Did this develop recently?
  • Is it the first time you have experienced this?
  • Does the feeling come and go or is it constant?
• Symptom history
  • Is there a constant need to empty the bowels?
  • Is there abdominal pain?
  • Is there cramping?
  • Is there a persistent feeling of straining?
  • Is there diarrhea or vomiting?
  • What other symptoms are also present? (such as blood in stool, fever)
• General medical history
  • Any medical problems in the past?
• Dietary history
  • Have you eaten anything unusual or uncooked?
  • Have you been at a picnic, gathering, or similar event recently?
• Other
  • Have any other people in your family or social group experienced similar problem(s)?

The physical examination may include a detailed abdominal examination. A rectal examination (and prostate check for men) may be performed in most cases.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Laboratory tests: CBC (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