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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

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...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion

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...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution01:00

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution

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 not...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

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...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption01:22

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...

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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Constipation in old age.

Paul Gallagher1, Denis O'Mahony

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. pfgallagher77@eircom.net

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|November 28, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation is common in older adults but not a normal part of aging. Its causes are often multifactorial, requiring clinical assessment rather than specialized tests for effective management.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Constipation prevalence significantly increases with advanced age.
  • Constipation in older adults is frequently multifactorial, not a consequence of normal aging.
  • Contributing factors include comorbidities, reduced mobility, poor diet, and medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the etiology and management of constipation in the elderly population.
  • To emphasize clinical assessment over specialized testing for diagnosing constipation in older individuals.
  • To highlight the limited evidence base for specific treatment recommendations in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of existing scientific literature on constipation in older adults.
  • Analysis of etiological factors, diagnostic approaches, and potential complications.
  • Evaluation of the evidence supporting current treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Clinical history and physical examination, including digital rectal examination, are typically sufficient for diagnosis.
  • Specialized tests of anorectal physiology and colonic transit are rarely necessary.
  • The evidence base for targeted constipation treatments in older people is limited.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation in older adults necessitates a thorough clinical evaluation to identify multifactorial causes.
  • Preventative strategies are crucial, especially for frail individuals at risk of fecal impaction and incontinence.
  • Further research is needed to develop evidence-based treatments for geriatric constipation.