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