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Related Experiment Videos

Constipation in the elderly

D C Schaefer1, L J Cheskin

  • 1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

American Family Physician
|October 13, 1998
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Constipation is common in older adults and impacts quality of life. Addressing underlying causes and lifestyle changes are key, avoiding chronic laxative use.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Constipation affects a significant percentage of elderly men and women, diminishing quality of life.
  • It can indicate serious underlying conditions like mass lesions or systemic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism).
  • Medications, such as narcotic analgesics, are common culprits for constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the evaluation and management of constipation in the elderly population.
  • To emphasize identifying and treating the root cause of constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Patient history focusing on fluid/food intake, medications, supplements, and homeopathic remedies.
  • Physical examination to identify contributing factors like local masses or thrombosed hemorrhoids.

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  • Consideration of colon visualization when the cause is not apparent.

    • Main Results:

    • Constipation can be multifactorial, stemming from lifestyle, systemic issues, or medications.
    • Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment.
    • Chronic laxative use should be discouraged.

    Conclusions:

    • First-line management includes bowel retraining, increased dietary fiber, adequate fluid intake, and exercise.
    • Laxatives, stool softeners, and nonabsorbable solutions may be necessary adjuncts for chronic cases.
    • Treatment must be individualized to the underlying cause of constipation.