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[Constipation in the aged--diagnosis and therapeutic aspects]
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Normal bowel function involves a stool weight of 121g/day and a frequency of 1.1 defecations/day. These metrics aid in diagnosing constipation, with dietary fiber recommended for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Constipation diagnosis relies on understanding normal physiological parameters.
- Establishing baseline stool weight, frequency, and transit time is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define normal ranges for stool weight, frequency, and colonic transit time.
- To provide data essential for the clinical diagnosis of constipation.
Main Methods:
- Data collection on stool weight and defecation frequency.
- Measurement of colonic transit time in human subjects.
Main Results:
- Normal stool weight established at 121 +/- 25 g/day.
- Normal stool frequency determined as 1.1 +/- 0.9 defecations/day.
- Normal colonic transit time found to be 66 +/- 23 hours.
Conclusions:
- The established parameters are vital for diagnosing constipation.
- Dietary fiber, such as purified plant fiber, is recommended for constipation therapy.
- Dosage of psyllium (bassorin) or bran is 0.5 g/kg/day; drug therapy may be needed for the elderly.