Overcoming Tenesmus when You Have Ulcerative Colitis

One of the most frustrating aspects of having ulcerative colitis is the array of other problems that can develop as a result. Your gastrointestinal system is a co-dependent arrangement of organs wherein each function relies on the others to perform efficiently. When something disrupts that harmony - a disease such as ulcerative colitis, for example - myriad symptoms and secondary issues can arise. One of those secondary issues is tenesmus.

Overcoming tenesmus when you have ulcerative colitis isn't a walk in the park. According to WrongDiagnosis.com, tenesmus is the overwhelming need to empty one's bowels, even when no excrement is forthcoming, sometimes coupled with compulsive straining on the toilet. This is common with ulcerative colitis, because sufferers experience such long and severe bouts of diarrhea that they feel as though they always need to be on the toilet.

In many cases, tenesmus occurs with ulcerative colitis because the patient has emptied his or her bowels, but the disease causes the urge to go to the restroom. This usually involves a series of muscle cramps or spasms that can occur both in and out of the bathroom. Unfortunately, however, this can be accompanied by long periods of constipation during which waste builds up in the colon, unable to vacate.

If you experience tenesmus regularly with your ulcerative colitis flare-ups, your best bet is to talk to your physician about possible remedies. A colonoscopy and an abdomen X-ray will tell your doctor if something else is causing tenesmus, and also if you are experiencing a blockage. The problem is that laxatives and other remedies usually prescribed for tenesmus are not usually recommended for ulcerative colitis sufferers because diarrhea is already a prevalent symptom.

A better alternative would be to increase your fiber intake at home to encourage regularity of the bowels. Adequate fluid intake is also important, as dehydration can cause tenesmus in ulcerative colitis patients. Furthermore, make sure that you work on keeping your abdominal muscles as relaxed as possible between visits to the restroom as tension in the bowels can cause constipation.

Additionally, many physicians will prescribe Valium or other muscle relaxers to help fight tenesmus in ulcerative colitis patients. This helps unclench the abdominal and bowel muscles to promote regularity and can decrease the possibility of causing a rupture or tear in the colon. However, this course of treatment is usually reserved for serious cases, because ulcerative colitis alone causes frequent emptying of the bowels.

If you're experiencing chronic tenesmus with ulcerative colitis, it is important to request a full workup of tests with your physician. You might have advanced to Crohn's disease since your UC diagnosis, or you might be dealing with an unrelated gastrointestinal problem. Whatever the case, seeking medical help should be a priority.

Sources:

WrongDiagnosis.com, Rectal Tenesmus