[Constipation in the elderly, which specificities? ]

Although constipation is very common in the geriatric population of both sexes, its importance is often underestimated as older people complain less frequently of rare stools compared to younger adults. The diagnostic approach includes an assessment of risk factors and associated pathologies specific to old age. The initial treatment is conservative, behavioral and pharmacological, in the absence of signs of severity. In case of initial treatment failure, investigations or specialized treatment will depend on individual situations.