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Related Concept Videos

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

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Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
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Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion01:18

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In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
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Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution01:00

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Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are...
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Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
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Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

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Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Constipation in the elderly.

J A Wilson1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|July 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation is common in older adults, often due to underlying conditions, not aging itself. Management focuses on lifestyle changes and appropriate laxative use after ruling out serious issues.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent issue among the elderly, leading to substantial healthcare costs.
  • While normal aging doesn't impair bowel motility, pathological and psychosocial factors contribute to constipation in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes and management of constipation in the elderly.
  • To emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation to exclude serious conditions like colon neoplasia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on constipation in the elderly.
  • Discussion of clinical evaluation strategies.
  • Analysis of medical management approaches.

Main Results:

  • Constipation in the elderly stems from various factors beyond normal aging.
  • Excluding serious conditions is a critical first step in evaluation.
  • Effective management involves lifestyle modifications and judicious laxative use.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation in older adults requires careful assessment to identify underlying causes.
  • A multi-faceted approach including diet, hydration, exercise, and medication is key for effective management.