Are loose bowels common in elderly?

Abstract. Diarrhoeal diseases are common in older populations and often markedly affect their quality of life.

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Is it normal for elderly to have loose stools?

It can affect people of all ages. An episode usually lasts about one or two days, and, typically, goes away on its own. Seniors are no more susceptible to diarrhea than others, but may sometimes require medical care when afflicted.

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What causes loss of bowel control in seniors?

Bowel incontinence is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the muscle that controls the opening of the anus. It can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia.

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Does bowel incontinence go away?

Bowel incontinence is usually treatable. In many cases, it can be cured completely. Recommended treatments vary according to the cause of bowel incontinence. Often, more than one treatment method may be required to control symptoms.

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What is the most common cause of incontinence in the elderly?

Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles. Overactive bladder muscles. Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson's disease. Diseases such as arthritis that may make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time.

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Microscopic colitis: A common, yet often overlooked, cause of chronic diarrhea

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When should loose stools be a concern?

Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain. Bloody or black stools.

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Is it normal to have loose stools everyday?

Although common, chronic diarrhea is definitely not normal and is a sign of a problem. When diarrhea occurs frequently for more than two weeks, you might be dealing with a bowel disease. Here are conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea. Ongoing infections from bacteria and parasites.

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Should I be worried about constant loose stools?

You should seek medical attention if you have loose or watery stools that last more than three or four weeks. You may need to be seen sooner than this if you have any of these "alarm symptoms": bloody diarrhea, fever, dehydration, weight loss or abdominal pain that interferes with your activities or prevents eating.

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What is the difference between loose stool and diarrhea?

While it can be hard to distinguish between the two, the main determinant is how many loose stools you have in a day. Three or more loose stools per day is considered to be diarrhea, whereas less is not. Both loose stools and diarrhea can be accompanied by symptoms of pain, cramping, and other GI discomfort.

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How many times loose stool is normal?

There is no “normal” number of bowel movements. Many healthcare providers agree that healthy bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week.

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How do you treat constant loose stools?

Lifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include:
  1. avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
  2. eating low fiber foods.
  3. drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
  4. controlling food portions to avoid overeating.

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How can I firm up my stools?

Try sources of soluble fibre to help firm up stool. Limit fried or fatty foods since these can worsen diarrhea. Some high fibre foods may contribute to diarrhea. Foods with lots of sugar may worsen diarrhea, such as regular pop, candy, large quantities of juice, and chocolate milk.

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Do loose stools go away?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

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What foods make poop more solid?

10 Binding and Bulking Foods for Your Bowels
  • Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber. ...
  • Psyllium Husks. Psyllium is a plant with a high source of fiber and both a binding and loosening superpower. ...
  • White Rice. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Broth-Based Soups. ...
  • Beans, Peas, and Other Legumes. ...
  • Creamy Peanut Butter. ...
  • Potato (without the skin)

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What foods harden your stool?

Foods that Thicken Stool
  • Applesauce.
  • Bananas.
  • Cheese.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Creamy peanut butter.
  • Potato (without skin)
  • Tapioca.

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What food bulks up stools?

Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium. Insoluble fiber. This type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools.

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What cancers cause diarrhea?

Certain cancers can cause diarrhea. These include neuroendocrine tumors, colon cancer, lymphoma, medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.

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When should I be concerned about frequent bowel movements?

See your health care provider if more-frequent bowel movements also are accompanied by any of the following signs or symptoms: Changes in the consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, such as repeatedly passing narrow, ribbonlike stools or loose, watery stools. Abdominal pain.

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Why am I pooping small amounts multiple times a day?

If you're having bowel movements more often, chances are you've made some change in your lifestyle. For example, you may be eating more whole grains, which increases fiber intake. More-frequent bowel movements also could be related to a mild illness that will take care of itself.

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Is it normal to have a bowel movement 5 times a day?

How many times a day should you poop? There is no generally accepted number of times a person should poop. As a broad rule, pooping anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is normal. Most people have a regular bowel pattern: They'll poop about the same number of times a day and at a similar time of day.

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What causes loose and frequent stools?

Loose stools after eating can be an indication of food poisoning, lactose intolerance, or infections. You may also have loose stool after eating if you're taking too much magnesium or have been drinking too much coffee. Certain foods, such as spicy or oily foods, can also create loose stools.

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Does yogurt help with diarrhea?

Yogurt may help prevent or treat diarrhea

Certain types of yogurt contain friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics, which may help prevent or treat diarrhea.

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What causes loose bowels?

Common causes include from foods – especially if something was spoiled or tainted – but GI viruses, food allergies and medication side-effects can also cause them. Some chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can also lead to ongoing diarrhea.

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What does yellow liquid diarrhea mean?

Yellow liquid poop could indicate an underlying disorder in the liver or gallbladder. Bright yellow liquid stool can also be a sign of giardiasis, an infection caused by an intestinal parasite that you can get from drinking unclean water.

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Why is my stool soft and mushy?

Mushy and watery/liquid: Mushy stool is usually made up of very soft pieces that fall apart when they hit the water. This may be due to poor lifestyle/diet change, higher stress than what the body is used to or an intestinal disorder. It can also happen when there is a change in exercise routine.

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