Safe and effective relief can be found in laxatives when lifestyle changes just won’t cut it. From fiber to stool softeners to stimulants, remember, it's not just a load of…
Elderly constipation: cause, symptoms, prevention, relief
Most people give little thought to their digestive system, but constipation is a common problem, and even more so in the elderly. There are several reasons for this, such as medication, underlying conditions, and slower digestive transit time, to name a few.19 This refers to the time it takes for food to move through the digestive system.
You might be retired, relishing all the extra time. Maybe you plan to travel, or to complete some items on that all important bucket list.
Well, sad to say, constipation can certainly put a stop to those plans. When things aren't moving smoothly internally, it’s likely to slow things down externally as well.
Constipation in old age is a real pain, but thankfully very manageable. Keep reading to learn more.
How is constipation defined?
You are likely constipated if you experience the following:1
Constipation Checklist:
use the bathroom less than three times a week
your poo is hard, solid and lumpy
your poo is difficult to pass
your bowel movements seem unsatisfactory
you frequently experience pain and bloating
Constipation is categorized as primary or secondary:
Secondary constipation
Secondary constipation is when the condition is due to an identified cause, such as medical condition or medication.
Gastrointestinal issues such as bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, and other medical situations may trigger constipation.
Medications, such as opioids, NSAIDs, supplements, heart medication, antacids, and antidepressants, may also be to blame.5,6
Which Dulcolax® is right for you?
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What are the consequences of constipation in older adults?
Older adults shouldn't ignore constipation as it can have life-threatening consequences in some cases. Fecal impaction is a complication in which poop accumulates after severe cases of constipation and can't be expelled. This is a very serious condition that can cause bowel perforations or intestinal obstructions.
The elderly are prone to the secondary effects of constipation, such as hemorrhoids that develop after repetitive straining or as the result of some medications.6,7,8
When to see the doctor about constipation?
Once you reach the age of 65 it’s essential to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing problems going to the bathroom. A comprehensive medical checkup will help to identify the specific causes behind your constipation, and rule out any more serious disorders.2,9
How does food move through my gastrointestinal tract?
How does my digestive system break food into small parts my body can use?
What happens to digested food?
Relief options for constipation for elderly patients
3 out of 5 Americans never talk to their doctors about constipation. Don't become another statistic. Constipation can be managed, and the first step is to talk about it.
There are several strategies for dealing with constipation, including:3
Pharmacologic options
Bulk agents
Stool softeners
Other agents
In some cases, prescription medications may be needed to treat constipation. They include serotonin agonists, which increase neurotransmitters and enhance the efficiency of eliminating waste products from your body. Prokinetic agents are used for treating severe constipation.
Nonpharmacologic options
Lifestyle changes
Increase dietary fiber
Increase fluid intake
Improve toilet habits
Try to poop at the same time every day. After breakfast, a reflex in your belly activates sluggish bowels in old age, so take advantage of this.
The most important points to remember on constipation in old age
Constipation in elderly people is common, but this doesn’t mean you should accept it as inevitable. It’s possible to maintain good digestive health if you consult a health care professional about the best options available to you.
Get rid of your constipation so that you can move around more freely in your golden years, and start ticking off the items on that all important bucket list.
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- Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R. Bisacodyl: A review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021 Oct;33(10):e14123. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14123. Epub 2021 Mar 9. PMID: 33751780; PMCID: PMC8596401.
- Marc D Basson, M.D. (2021) Constipation medication, Laxatives, Bulk-Producing, Laxatives, Stool Softener, Laxative, Stimulant; Laxative, Stool Softener, Laxatives, Saline, Laxatives, Lubricant, Laxatives, Other, Laxatives, Osmotic, Stimulant Laxatives, Prokinetic Agents, Peripherally-Acting Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists. Medscape. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/184704-medication#10 (Accessed: January 11, 2023).
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