Symptoms.—­Headache, inattention to business, loss of memory, melancholy, sallow complexion, indigestion, loss of appetite, nervous symptoms.  Spasmodic muscular contraction of the external sphincter.  The bowel contents press upon it; spasm of this sphincter muscle is frequently brought on by the presence of a crack in the mucous membrane, caused by injury inflicted during expulsion of hardened feces.  Instead of aiding a bowel movement, the muscles now present an obstruction beyond control of the will and aggravate the condition.  The most frequent cause of disease of the rectum is constipation and anyone of the following local diseases of the rectum and anus may be a symptom of constipation. (1) Fissure or crack of the anus. (2) Ulceration. (3) Hemorrhoids (piles). (4) Prolapse (falling). (5) Neuralgia. (6) Proctitis and periproctitis.

Fissure of the anus is a common local symptom of constipation.  The feces accumulate when the bowels do not move for a few days, the watery portion is absorbed; they become dry, hard, lumpy, and very difficult to expel, frequently making a rent (tear) in the mucous membrane and resulting eventually in an irritable fissure.  Ulceration of the rectum and the sigmoid (part of the bowel) is a symptom of persistent constipation, because the pressure exerted upon the nourishing blood vessels by the fecal mass causes local death of the tissues.

Hemorrhoids (Piles) may be produced by constipation in several ways; first by obstruction to the return of the venous (dark) blood.  Second, by venous engorgement (filling up) of the hemorrhoidal veins during violent and prolonged straining at stool.  Third, as a result of the general looseness of the tissues in those suffering from constipation.

Prolapse (Falling of the Bowel).—­This falling of the rectum may be partial or complete, and may be caused by straining or by the downward pressure exerted by the fecal mass during the emptying movement of the bowel.  It may also be the result of a partial paralysis of the bowel caused by pressure of the feces upon the nerves.

Proctitis and Peri-Proctitis.—­Inflammation of the rectum and surrounding tissue that may or may not terminate in an abscess and fistula, sometimes follows injury to the very sensitive mucous membrane by the hardened feces.

Neuralgia of the Rectum.—­This may sometimes result from the pressure of the fecal mass upon the nearby nerves causing pain in the sacrum coccyx (bones).

Mothers’ remedies.—­1.  Constipation, a Good Substitute for Pills and Drugs.—­“Two ounces each of figs, dates, raisins, and prunes (without pits) one-half ounce senna leaves.  Grind through meat chopper, and mix thoroughly by kneading.  Break off pieces (about a level teaspoonful) and form into tablets.  Wrap each in a wax paper and keep in covered glass jars, in a cool place.  Dose.—­One at night to keep the bowels regular.  Very pleasant to take.”