What are the causes of constipation in the elderly?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, constipation in the elderly is usually caused by aging, an improper diet, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and other factors. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, adjust dietary patterns, increase intake of dietary fiber, and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote intestinal motility and support gut health.
Generally speaking, there is no single common cause for constipation in the elderly. Constipation in older adults is usually caused by factors such as aging, an improper diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and others. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Aging
With increasing age, the intestinal tract undergoes degenerative changes. Intestinal motility weakens, and the rectal and abdominal muscles atrophy, leading to reduced muscle tone. This results in inadequate force during defecation, causing constipation. Regular appropriate physical activities such as walking or tai chi can be beneficial to enhance intestinal motility.
2. Improper Diet
Due to decreased appetite and dental problems, elderly individuals often prefer refined foods, leading to insufficient dietary fiber intake. A lack of dietary fiber reduces stool volume and slows intestinal peristalsis, contributing to constipation. It is advisable to consume more fiber-rich foods such as oats, celery, apples, and similar items.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Abnormal intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity may trigger IBS, which can impair or weaken intestinal movement, resulting in prolonged retention of stool in the intestines and excessive water absorption, thus causing constipation. Symptoms may include bloating, nausea, and belching. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, lactulose oral solution, and Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules for treatment.
4. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis may be associated with food allergies, bacterial infections, or chlamydia infection. Inflammatory stimulation affects intestinal health and may lead to constipation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and anemia. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, olsalazine sodium capsules, and balsalazide sodium capsules for treatment.
5. Diabetes
Insufficient physical activity and excessive nutrition may contribute to diabetes. Long-term medication use and dietary restrictions in diabetic patients may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, impairing normal intestinal function and leading to constipation. Symptoms may also include increased thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite. Treatment should be conducted under medical supervision using medications such as metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, acarbose tablets, and repaglinide tablets.
In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, adjusting dietary patterns, increasing dietary fiber intake, and engaging in moderate exercise to promote intestinal motility are essential for preserving gastrointestinal health.
