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