Editing Constipation (section)

=== Examination ===
A physical examination should involve at least an abdominal exam and rectal exam. Abdominal exam may reveal an abdominal mass if there is significant stool burden and may reveal abdominal discomfort. [[Rectal examination]] gives an impression of the anal sphincter [[muscle tone|tone]] and whether the lower rectum contains any feces or not. Rectal examination also gives information on the consistency of the stool, the presence of hemorrhoids, blood and whether any [[perineum|perineal]] irregularities are present including skin tags, fissures, anal warts.<ref name="mccallum"/><ref name="walia"/><ref name=Jam2011/> Physical examination is done manually by a physician and is used to guide which diagnostic tests to order.