Related Experiment Videos
General geriatrics and gastroenterology: constipation and faecal incontinence
1Humboldt University Berlin, Department of Internal Medicine, Park-Klinik Weissensee, Germany.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|April 30, 2002
Summary
Constipation and fecal incontinence increase with age due to factors like neurological diseases and medications, not just motility changes. Weak straining and reduced dietary fiber also contribute to these common geriatric issues.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Constipation incidence rises with age, yet typical colonic or anorectal motility changes are not consistently observed in the elderly.
- Factors such as neurological conditions, constipating medications, immobility, and reduced straining capacity are implicated in increased constipation prevalence.
- Reduced dietary fiber intake, potentially due to poor chewing ability, may exacerbate constipation in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifactorial causes of increased constipation and fecal incontinence in the elderly population.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to these prevalent gastrointestinal issues in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical observations regarding age-related changes in bowel function.
- Analysis of the impact of neurological diseases, medications, and physical status on colonic and anorectal function.
- Examination of factors influencing dietary fiber intake and chewing ability in the elderly.
Main Results:
- Parkinson's disease is associated with both delayed colonic transit and impaired anal sphincter relaxation.
- Drug-induced constipation is common with anti-parkinsonian drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, opiates, iron supplements, anticonvulsants, and certain antacids.
- Fecal incontinence prevalence increases in the elderly, particularly in frail, bedridden individuals, often linked to lower anal sphincter pressures and fecal impaction leading to soiling.
Conclusions:
- Age-related constipation and incontinence are often multifactorial, driven by neurological, pharmacological, and physical factors rather than primary motility disorders.
- Conditions like Parkinson's disease and medication side effects significantly impact bowel function in the elderly.
- Fecal impaction and subsequent soiling due to rectal distension are common in bedridden patients and can be diagnosed via digital rectal examination.