Diagnostic Tests for Fecal straining

Diagnostic Test list for Fecal straining:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Fecal straining includes:

• Physical examination
  • Inspection of external anus looking for disease that may cause constipation e.g. anal fissure; or pathology that may be a result of constipation and fecal straining e.g. hemorrhoids, anal fissure
  • Digital rectal examination - if there are symptoms of intestinal obstruction and the rectum is empty it may suggest complete intestinal obstruction but if there are some feces in the rectum there may be an incomplete intestinal obstruction; if rectal mass is found it suggests colon cancer.
  • Test perianal sensation and the anal reflex to support neurological cause of bowel infrequency
  • Abdominal examination for tenderness, a mass, fecal loading, abdominal distension or a irregular liver edge e.g. a mass in the right lower abdomen may suggest bowel cancer or diverticulitis; a mass on right, left or upper abdomen may also suggest bowel cancer; tenderness in the left lower abdomen, with or without a significant mass may suggest ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count, ESR, electrolytes, thyroid function tests to rule out systemic causes of constipation or diarrhea
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen ( a tumor marker for bowel cancer)
  • Salmonella antibodies (not useful in acute situation)
  • Amoeba antibodies (not useful in acute situation)
  • Gastrin level - if suspect a gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
  • Stool tests
  • Test for occult blood (if positive may suggest infectious disease of the large intestine or small intestine, ulcerative colitis, bowel cancer, diverticulitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
  • Stool microscopy for ova, parasites and culture for bacteria
  • Giardia antigen
  • Clostridium difficile toxin B - if history of antibiotic use.
• Urine tests
  • 5-HIAA - if suspect Carcinoid syndrome.
• Radiological investigations
  • Abdominal X-Ray if bowel infrequency is recent, to diagnose intestinal obstruction
  • Proctosigmoidoscopy
  • Barium Enema
• Colonoscopy
• Anorectal manometry and Proctography - will help diagnose anorectal sphincter dysfunction.
• Rectal biopsy - if suspect Hirschsprung's disease.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Fecal straining causes:

• Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Tests
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
• Food Allergies & Intolerances: Home Testing:
  • Home Food Allergy Tests
  • Home Food Intolerance Testing
  • Home Water Testing
  • Home Lead Poisoning Tests
  • Home Heavy Metal Poisoning Tests
• Digestive-Related Home Testing:
  • Home Stomach Ulcer Tests
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Test Kits
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Test Kits

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