Good for the elderly
Your family doctor or general practitioner would most likely be your first point of contact if you are experiencing constipation. A gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive issues) may be consulted if your doctor feels that you are suffering from a more severe case of constipation.
When it comes to treating constipation, polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is chosen over lactulose since it is more effective and has fewer side effects. Chronic constipation is treated more effectively with linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone (Amitiza) than with a placebo.
A gastroenterologist addresses a variety of digestive illnesses and difficulties, including: unexplained changes in bowel patterns, such as diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the stomach and esophagus (GERD) Heartburn.
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.
The amount of oral lavage and the rate at which it is administered are determined by the patient’s weight. Youssef and colleagues propose a dose of 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day of polyethylene glycol solution for the treatment of pediatric fecal impaction (PEG 3350, MiraLax).
Laxatives act in a variety of ways, and the efficacy of each type of laxative varies from person to person and from situation to situation. To be sure, the most mild on your body and the safest to take long term are bulk-forming laxatives, which are also known as fiber supplements. Metamucil and Citrucel are examples of products in this category.
They may advise you to do one of the following:
In addition to concerns linked to the stomach, intestines, and bowels, a gastroenterologist is knowledgeable about a variety of other organs that are part of the digestive system as a whole, which encompasses the whole digestive tract. Between the moment food enters your mouth and the time it is evacuated from your body as waste, a great deal happens.
Dr. Almario notes that blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, and an abrupt new beginning of constipation are all indications that you should seek medical assistance. A red flag might be raised in the case of someone who has had normal bowel motions their whole life, but who suddenly suffers chronic constipation, according to Dr. Xiaoping.
Wald believes that while all of the new prescription medications give more therapeutic alternatives, the vast majority of individuals do not require them. Polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative pills and generic), and senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are all better options than prescription medications.
On the towel, lie down with your knees pulled up and beneath your abdomen and chest.(Optional) Using your fingers, gently insert the lubricated tube up to 4 inches into your rectum.(Optional) As soon as the tube is in place, gently press the contents of the enema bag into your body or allow it to flow into your body with the assistance of gravity.When the bag is completely empty, carefully remove the tube from the bag.
Constipation symptoms may be alleviated by increasing dietary fiber intake to 25 to 30 g per day, according to research. Encourage physical exercise to help maintain regular bowel movements. If nonpharmacologic measures fail, increasing fiber intake and/or use of laxatives to enhance bowel movement frequency and alleviate constipation symptoms may be considered as options.
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.
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.