Feeling Like the Bowel Movement is Not Finished Yet
Rectal tenesmus, or tenesmus for short, is a medical condition described as a feeling of being unable to empty the bowel, even if there is no more stool to remove or expel. As a result, patients with tenesmus try to push very hard while defecating but only pass a small amount of stool. It is not a medical condition but is a common sign of underlying digestive problems and mental stress. Tenesmus is painful and may force the patient to do involuntary straining, resulting in strain in the anal muscles, stomach cramps, and anxiety.
The most common causes of rectal tenesmus are IBS and inflammatory bowel disease. Since IBS can cause inflammation in the lower part of the large intestine, it can trick the mind into thinking that the swollen part is a stool that the body needs to excrete. This can be a problematic symptom, especially for babies and kids.
Unfortunately, rectal tenesmus can only be wholly treated by removing the underlying cause (IBS). Therefore, urgent medical attention is needed among patients with tenesmus who are also experiencing rectal bleeding, chills, high fever, nausea, passing out, and vomiting.
