What are the causes of constipation in the elderly?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Constipation in the elderly may be caused by insufficient dietary fiber intake, lack of physical activity, decreased gastrointestinal function, intestinal flora imbalance, diabetes, and other factors. When the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and receive treatment under medical guidance, including general management and medication. Elderly individuals should pay attention to maintaining a balanced diet in daily life and increase their intake of dietary fiber and fluids.
Generally, the causes of constipation in the elderly may include insufficient dietary fiber intake, lack of physical activity, decreased gastrointestinal function, intestinal flora imbalance, diabetes, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient dietary fiber intake
Insufficient dietary fiber in the elderly's diet may reduce stool volume, failing to adequately stimulate effective intestinal peristalsis. This can lead to prolonged retention of stool in the intestines, excessive absorption of water, resulting in dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass, thus causing constipation. It is important to increase daily intake of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
2. Lack of physical activity
With aging, older adults tend to become less physically active, which slows intestinal motility and may lead to constipation. Encouraging regular moderate exercise such as walking or practicing tai chi can help promote intestinal movement.
3. Decreased gastrointestinal function
Declining gastrointestinal function may result from aging, poor diet, and other factors, leading to reduced function of the stomach, intestines, and the entire digestive system. Digestive secretions may significantly decrease, intestinal motility and muscle tone may weaken, and abdominal and pelvic floor muscles may become weak. These changes reduce gastro-intestinal reflexes and may trigger constipation. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and "internal heat." Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as cisapride tablets, mosapride dispersible tablets, or lactobacillin tablets for treatment.
4. Intestinal flora imbalance
Antibiotic use, dietary changes, and other factors may disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, reducing beneficial bacteria while increasing harmful ones. This leads to decreased production of short-chain fatty acids. Without sufficient stimulation from these fatty acids, intestinal smooth muscle contracts more slowly, prolonging stool transit time in the gut and resulting in constipation. Additional symptoms may include diarrhea and bloating. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take medications such as domperidone capsules, mosapride citrate tablets, or Bacillus coagulans live bacterial tablets to relieve symptoms.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes may be caused by genetic and dietary factors. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage affecting intestinal motility, potentially causing the aforementioned symptoms. Other common symptoms include weight loss and frequent urination. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as acarbose capsules, metformin enteric-coated tablets, or gliclazide tablets for management.
Elderly individuals should maintain a balanced diet, increase intake of dietary fiber and fluids, engage in regular physical activity, and develop healthy bowel habits to prevent constipation.
