An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal that may cause pain and bleeding. It's often due to constipation.
C. difficile can be a life-threatening infection. It typically develops when antibiotics destroy other bacteria in your intestines, allowing C. difficile to flourish.
Chronic constipation can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort.
If you have difficulty controlling your bowel movements, don't shy away from talking to your doctor — effective treatments for fecal incontinence are available.
Though uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, hemorrhoids — and the accompanying itching and bleeding — are common. Effective treatments are available and mostly involve lifestyle and home remedies.
Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum.
Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation of the colon that occurs most often in people using antibiotics.
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, a rare condition, may be caused by chronic constipation. Dietary changes may help mild cases.
Jul. 15, 2014
- Falchuk M. Patient information: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (Beyond the basics). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 27, 2014.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/index.htm. Accessed Feb. 27, 2014.
- Screening for colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2008;149:627.
- Screening for colorectal cancer. U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspscolo.htm. Accessed Feb. 27, 2014.
- A-Rahim YI, et al. Bowel preparation for colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 27, 2014.