Constipation in the Elderly
June 27th, 2007 by colon.ddetox
The major risk factors for constipation in the elderly are the same as in younger people: low-fiber diet and low fluid intake. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, drug therapy, depression, and dementia (possibly because the patient ignores the urge to defecate), diabetes (probably because of autonomic neuropathy), stroke, metabolic imbalances (hypokalemia, hypercalcemia), and chronic laxative use. A number of medications are constipating, including anticholinergics (such as antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants), narcotics, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, iron supplements, aluminum antacids, some anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and possibly angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Fiber is the treatment of choice for constipation. Dietary fiber intake is generally deficient in the United States, and studies have shown that increasing bran intake reduces transit time, even in nursing home patients. Side effects from a high-fiber diet include bloating, flatulence, and irregular bowel movements, particularly in the first 2 to 3 weeks, which may reduce compliance. Phytic acid in crude bran may also decrease calcium absorption. Since low fluid intake plays an important role in constipation, people should drink at least 1500 mL of fluid a day, with increased intake in the summer. Patients on diuretics with stable cardiovascular status should also increase fluid intake. Regular exercise is also important; even maintaining erect posture can help limited-mobility patients in nursing homes.
Related Posts: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colon Cleansers
bloating, bran, calcium absorption, constipation, constipation elderly, dietary fiber, diuretics, fiber, flatulence, high fiber diet, irregular bowel movements, low fiber diet, low fluid intake, phytic acid
