Why do I have urgency and tenesmus with ulcerative colitis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old female. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis six months back. Not only diarrhea, but I also suffer from constant urge and tenesmus, as per my doctor’s diagnosis.

Even without any bowel movements, I feel pressure in my rectum region. This makes me feel a lot of pain and affects my work performance. Though there is no bleeding in my stools currently, I go to the toilet 5 to 6 times a day.

At present, I am on Budesonide 9 mg a day along with Mesalamine 1.2 g twice a day. Should I take both these medicines together? Also, can prolonged sitting affect my condition?

My family has suggested trying homeopathy and aloe vera juice. Do these treatments really work? I am feeling a bit confused about which path to follow.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply concerned about your worries.

The symptoms you have mentioned occur in patients suffering from an inflammatory process in the rectum due to ulcerative colitis.

The need to defecate constantly, pressure in the rectum, and the sensation of insufficient emptying are called tenesmus. This symptom usually occurs in case of proctitis or inflammation in the rectum.

Now you are on treatment using Mesalamine and Budesonide. Both drugs are often combined at the time of exacerbation of the disease. Mesalamine is a long-term therapy that controls inflammation, and Budesonide is applied for short-term relief of symptoms.

Take your medicine as prescribed unless there is any other recommendation of your gastroenterologist. Sometimes, in case of very intense tenesmus, rectal suppositories or enemas with mesalamine are prescribed to control inflammation in the rectum.

Although sitting for a long time does not cause ulcerative colitis, it can intensify the awareness of discomfort in the rectum. Try to move more frequently while working.

Regarding homeopathy or aloe vera, there is little scientific proof of their usefulness in healing ulcerative colitis. While there might be some natural remedies which may offer temporary relief to some people, they must not be used instead of medicines, as the untreated inflammation may aggravate the condition.

The best approach would be to go ahead with the existing treatment regimen, keep having follow-ups with your gastroenterologist, handle your stress levels properly, and take in simple diets while having an attack. With the correct treatment method, the majority of people can lead normal lives without suffering from any symptoms for many years.

I hope this answers your question.

Thanks.