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Chronic constipation in the elderly: a primer for the gastroenterologist.
Roberto De Giorgio1, Eugenio Ruggeri2, Vincenzo Stanghellini3
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences/Digestive system, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. deg@aosp.bo.it.
BMC Gastroenterology
|October 16, 2015
Summary
Constipation is common in older adults, impacting quality of life. This review updates gastroenterologists on managing constipation in the elderly, focusing on multifactorial approaches for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent issue in the elderly, significantly affecting their quality of life and healthcare costs.
- While not a normal part of aging, factors like reduced mobility, medications, and comorbidities increase constipation prevalence in older adults.
- Frail elderly individuals experiencing constipation face risks of increased morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review on the epidemiology, quality of life burden, and etiology of constipation in older adults.
- To outline current diagnostic and management approaches, highlighting limitations in treating constipation in the elderly.
- To assist gastroenterologists by consolidating information to ease clinical workload regarding elderly constipation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epidemiological data, quality of life impacts, and etiological factors of constipation in the elderly.
- Analysis of current treatment strategies, including conservative measures and tailored approaches for comorbid conditions.
- Examination of the evolving understanding of adult constipation management and its specific application to the geriatric population.
Main Results:
- Constipation in the elderly often involves multiple etiologic mechanisms, necessitating a multifactorial treatment strategy.
- Dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and bowel training are effective for a majority of patients.
- A tailored approach addressing comorbidities is crucial for elderly patients unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of constipation in older adults requires addressing its complex, often multifactorial, etiology.
- Current management guidelines for adult constipation need specific adaptation for the unique needs of the geriatric population.
- This review aims to bridge the gap in geriatric constipation care, supporting gastroenterologists in managing this growing patient demographic.
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