People with chronic constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction can use biofeedback to retrain halitosis the muscles that control release of bowel movements allergy-herbal-supplements Biofeedback involves using a sensor to monitor muscle activity that at the same time can be displayed on a computer screen, allowing for an accurate assessment of body functions allergy-herbal-supplements functions allergy-herbal-supplements A health care professional uses this information to help halitosis the patient learn how to use these muscles allergy-herbal-supplements Physical Examination Problems with Intestinal Function (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) problems with the colon and rectum Saline laxatives act like a sponge to draw water into the colon for easier passage of of stool allergy-herbal-supplements Laxatives in this group include Milk of Magnesia and Haley's M-O allergy-herbal-supplements scleroderma sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction sensation of incomplete evacuation Several kinds of diseases can cause constipation: sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy allergy-herbal-supplements An examination of halitosis the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon is called a sigmoidoscopy allergy-herbal-supplements sigmoidoscopy allergy-herbal-supplements An examination of halitosis the rectum and entire colon is called a colonoscopy allergy-herbal-supplements Some medications can cause constipation allergy-herbal-supplements They include Some people have chronic constipation that does not respond to standard treatment allergy-herbal-supplements This rare condition, known as idiopathic (of unknown origin) chronic constipation may be related to to problems with intestinal function such as problems with hormonal control or with nerves and muscles in halitosis the colon, rectum, or anus allergy-herbal-supplements Functional constipation occurs in both children and adults and is most common in women allergy-herbal-supplements Some people with IBS, also known as spastic colon, have spasms in the halitosis the colon that affect bowel movements allergy-herbal-supplements Constipation and diarrhea often alternate, and abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are other common complaints allergy-herbal-supplements Although IBS can produce lifelong symptoms, it is not a life-threatening condition allergy-herbal-supplements It often worsens with stress, but there is no specific cause or anything unusual that halitosis that the doctor can see in the colon allergy-herbal-supplements Sometimes constipation can lead to complications allergy-herbal-supplements These complications include hemorrhoids caused by straining to have a bowel movement or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle allergy-herbal-supplements As a result, rectal rectal bleeding may occur, appearing as bright red streaks on halitosis the surface of the stool allergy-herbal-supplements Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and application of a special cream to the affected area allergy-herbal-supplements Treatment for anal fissure may include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgical removal of of tissue or skin in halitosis the affected area allergy-herbal-supplements Sometimes straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening allergy-herbal-supplements This condition, known as rectal prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus allergy-herbal-supplements Usually eliminating the cause of the prolapse, such as as straining or coughing, is halitosis the only treatment necessary allergy-herbal-supplements Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining allergy-herbal-supplements Specific Diseases specific diseases such as stroke (by far the most common) spinal cord injuries Stimulants cause rhythmic muscle contractions contractions in halitosis the intestines allergy-herbal-supplements Brand names include Correctol, Dulcolax, Purge, and Senokot allergy-herbal-supplements Studies suggest that phenolphthalein, an ingredient in some stimulant laxatives, might increase a person's risk for cancer allergy-herbal-supplements The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on all over-the-counter products containing phenolphthalein allergy-herbal-supplements Most laxative makers | 