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