Increasing fluid intake and eating more fiber-rich foods can help alleviate constipation and prevent accidents. Exercise may also help, especially activities that are targeted at improving anal sphincter function and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (Kegels).
Increasing dietary fiber intake to 25 to 30 g daily may improve symptoms of constipation. Encourage physical activity to improve bowel regularity. If nonpharmacologic approaches fail, recommend increased fiber intake and/or laxatives to increase bowel movement frequency and improve symptoms of constipation.
Some of the reasons for this propensity include poor diet, lack of adequate fluids in diet, lack of exercise, the use of certain drugs to treat other medical conditions, and poor bowel habits.
Straining is the most commonly identified symptom by older adults, even though physicians tend to rely on bowel movement frequency to diagnose constipation. Additionally, patients tend to underestimate their frequency of bowel movements. Normal stool frequency can vary between 3 motions per day and 3 motions per week.
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
Suppositories and enemas may be given for severe constipation, especially if the patient is unable to take laxatives orally. If someone has faecal impaction, a combination of laxatives, suppositories and enemas may be needed.
The main risk factors for constipation in the elderly population include the following: immobility, weakness of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, malnutrition, rectal hyposensitivity, ignoring a “defecation call,” chronic medical conditions (metabolic, neurologic, cardiovascular), chronic medication use ( ...
When you have a fecal impaction, you'll need to have the hard mass of stool removed from your colon or rectum to get better. It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen.
Osmotic laxatives are the first-line pharmacological intervention. Osmotic laxatives are the recommended first-line laxative for older people with constipation who are not taking opioids. These medicines draw water into the lumen of the intestine, increasing stool volume and triggering colon motility.
Insert a lubricated finger into the anus. Move it in a circle until the sphincter muscle relaxes. This may take a few minutes. After you have done the stimulation, sit in a normal position for a bowel movement.
Steps in Bowel Retraining
Sit on the toilet for a fixed amount of time usually about 15 minutes. It's preferable to do this 10 to 20 minutes after a meal with coffee. If you do not have a bowel movement in that amount of time just get up and go about your regular activities. Do not strain to have a bowel movement.
If you can't get out of bed, you can use bed pans and urine bottles. These aids are usually made of metal, or plastic. Bed pans can be used for both urine (wee) and faecal matter (poo). Urine bottles are an option for men when they need to urinate (wee) while confined to bed.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Constipation in people with dementia can lead to a worsening of their confusion, as well as symptoms of irritability or aggression.
If the person with dementia has constipation, laxatives may help. Laxatives are medication designed to ease constipation and are available without a prescription over the counter.
Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that's readily available OTC. It's mainly used to help relieve constipation. Metamucil side effects, such as gas and bloating, are typically mild for most people. It's very important to follow the directions on the packaging to help prevent serious side effects.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Eating When you Have Constipation. Try these things to relieve your constipation: Do not skip meals. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.