Good for the elderly
Constipation in the elderly is becoming a more and more prevalent occurrence in the population. As we grow older, our bodies suffer a variety of changes, one of which is a decrease in the effectiveness of the digestive system. Constipation can be exacerbated by poor eating habits or dietary changes, which can further slow down digestive processes and cause it.
Constipation in the elderly can be caused by a variety of factors. Bad food, a lack of enough fluids in the diet, a lack of exercise, the use of certain medications to treat other medical disorders, and poor bowel habits are just a few of the factors that contribute to this tendency.
They are also available in flavorless varieties that may be mixed into any beverage of choice. Important: If your older adult’s doctor determines that constipation is caused by a nerve or muscular condition, they may prescribe that they eat less fiber and instead utilize medicine that provides water to the colon in order to soften stool. 6. Make proper use of laxatives.
According to experts, two-thirds of persons over the age of 65 suffer from constipation. Though occasional constipation can occur at any age without causing serious effects, chronic constipation need medical treatment in order to determine the source of the problem and determine how to avoid it from recurring in the future.
SORT: PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLICATIONS
Clinical recommendation | Evidence rating | References |
---|---|---|
Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is preferred over lactulose for the treatment of constipation because it is more effective and has fewer adverse effects. | A | 29 |
Congestion in the elderly population not only results in a reduction in quality of life and an increase in economic costs, but it can also increase the risk of several complications, including overflow faecal incontinence, which can lead to hospitalization for a longer period of time and increased costs.
Bananas are an excellent source of fiber, which may be beneficial in the treatment of constipation in certain individuals.
If you have constipation, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is possible that feces will become backed up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to defecate and making you feel unwell. In theory, a person might go without pooping for an indefinite period of time — such as one week or one month — if they wanted to.
Fecal impaction is a huge, hard lump of feces that becomes caught in your colon or rectum to the point that you are unable to push it out. This is an issue that can be really serious. If left untreated, it has the potential to cause serious disease or even death. It is particularly frequent in older persons who are suffering from gastrointestinal difficulties.
Consuming a diet that is too low in fiber and fluid, not getting enough physical activity, medication side effects (e.g., opiates, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers), certain supplements (calcium and iron), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstructions or strictures from surgery, and diabetes are all factors that contribute to constipation.
The following fast treatments can assist in inducing a bowel movement within a few hours of starting them.
If you don’t consume enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you may get constipation as a result. Constipation can also be caused by consuming large quantities of high-fat meats, dairy products, and eggs, as well as rich desserts and sugary sweets. People who live alone may find it difficult to maintain an interest in cooking and eating.
When your symptoms are characterized by stomach discomfort and constipation, eggs might aggravate IBS. The high protein content in eggs might aggravate constipation, according to Dr. Lee’s explanation.″