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Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

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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...
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Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

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Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
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Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

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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...
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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

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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,...
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Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

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Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

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Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
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Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Intractable Constipation in the Elderly.

Noemi Baffy1, Amy E Foxx-Orenstein2, Lucinda A Harris1

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA.

Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology
|August 13, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Chronic constipation significantly impacts the elderly, affecting quality of life and healthcare costs. This review covers current and emerging treatments for elderly patients with chronic constipation.

Keywords:
Bowel trainingConstipationElderlyLaxativesLinaclotideLubiprostoneOIC

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, particularly in the elderly.
  • Factors like immobility and polypharmacy increase constipation risk in older adults.
  • Undiagnosed or undertreated constipation negatively affects quality of life and increases healthcare expenditure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current treatment options for chronic constipation in adults.
  • To specifically tailor treatment considerations for the elderly population.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on chronic constipation treatments.
  • Analysis of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
  • Evaluation of treatment safety and efficacy in the elderly.

Main Results:

  • Non-pharmacologic options include bowel training, biofeedback, and fiber supplementation.
  • Long-term laxative use is considered safe and remains a primary therapy.
  • Newer agents show efficacy in adults, but their safety in the elderly requires more data.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnosis involves physical examination and clinical history to identify primary and secondary constipation.
  • While laxatives are mainstays, newer agents need further safety evaluation for the elderly.
  • Surgery is an option for refractory cases; neuromodulation is not yet established.