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Irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly.
1Section of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is likely underrecognized in older adults, affecting 10% to 20% of the elderly population. Treatment challenges in this group are compounded by age-related sensitivities to medications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder.
- Epidemiology and pathophysiology of IBS in individuals over 65 are not well-understood.
- A significant portion of the elderly population may have undiagnosed IBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underrecognition of IBS in the elderly population.
- To discuss the prevalence and challenges of managing IBS in older adults.
- To review the current understanding of IBS pathogenesis and treatment in the geriatric demographic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on IBS in the elderly.
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding IBS prevalence in older populations.
- Discussion of treatment strategies and side effect profiles in geriatric patients.
Main Results:
- Available data suggest IBS affects 10% to 20% of the general elderly population.
- The underlying pathogenesis of IBS is unlikely to be altered by age-related changes.
- Treatment for IBS in the elderly is often empirical, symptomatic, and may be complicated by adverse drug reactions.
Conclusions:
- IBS is likely underdiagnosed and undertreated in individuals aged 65 and older.
- Age-related physiological changes do not appear to alter IBS pathogenesis.
- Managing IBS in the elderly requires careful consideration of drug side effects and treatment efficacy.