What are the solutions for constipation in the elderly?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, constipation in the elderly may be caused by factors such as slowed intestinal motility, inadequate fluid intake, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, or hypothyroidism. It can be managed through general measures and medication. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. In daily life, maintaining adequate fluid intake, establishing regular bowel habits, increasing dietary fiber, and performing appropriate abdominal massage are beneficial.
In general, constipation in the elderly may be caused by factors such as slowed intestinal motility, inadequate fluid intake, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or hypothyroidism. It can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medication. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Slowed Intestinal Motility
With aging, intestinal motility tends to slow down in older adults, prolonging the transit time of food through the digestive tract. This leads to excessive absorption of water, resulting in dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. Establishing a consistent daily bowel movement routine at a suitable time can help regulate bowel habits.
2. Inadequate Fluid Intake
Water is a key component of stool. Insufficient hydration can cause stools to become dry and hard, making them difficult to expel. Maintaining a daily fluid intake of 1.5–2 liters helps keep stools soft and moist, thereby reducing difficulty during defecation.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS may be associated with chronic psychological stress, leading to dysregulation of intestinal motility and impaired bowel emptying, which can result in constipation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as bloating. Elderly individuals can stimulate intestinal motility through regular abdominal massage. Additionally, under medical supervision, medications such as trimebutine maleate dispersible tablets, lactulose oral solution, and triple viable bifidobacteria capsules may be used for treatment.
4. Hypothyroidism
Long-term iodine deficiency may lead to hypothyroidism, causing insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones. A lack of thyroid hormones slows down the metabolic rate and reduces intestinal motility, contributing to constipation. Elderly patients should receive treatment under medical guidance using medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, levothyroxine sodium tablets, and prednisolone acetate tablets.
5. Diabetes
Long-term consumption of high-sugar foods may lead to diabetes, which affects autonomic nerve function in the intestines and slows intestinal motility, resulting in constipation. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate physical activity, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. Patients must follow medical advice and take medications such as acarbose chewable tablets, pioglitazone hydrochloride dispersible tablets, and metformin hydrochloride tablets as prescribed.
In daily life, elderly individuals should ensure adequate fluid intake, maintain regular bowel habits, increase dietary fiber consumption, and perform gentle abdominal massage to promote intestinal motility, effectively preventing and improving constipation.
