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 ( ...
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
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.
Improvements in lifestyle, which also increase general health and quality of life, are the first-line interventions for constipation, including: Regular morning exercise, e.g. walking or swimming. A caffeinated beverage in the morning, which can have a stimulating effect on colonic activity. A breakfast high in fibre.
Keep track of your loved one's bowel movements on a calendar. They don't need to have a bowel movement every day. But if your loved one goes three days without a bowel movement, they have constipation. Pay special attention when medication is changed as constipation may be a side effect.
Any rectal bleeding and whether they are passing flatus. Weight loss or loss of appetite. Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and/or vomiting, or urinary symptoms. Night sweats.
New onset constipation, worsening of constipation, blood in the stools, unexplained weight loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer in older adults over the age of 50 years need to be evaluated carefully for other conditions underlying constipation ...
Fiber. Fiber is helpful for many conditions including constipation. Foods are the best way to increase fiber intake. Foods with fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dried peas and beans, nuts and seeds.
But you may not have to give up dairy -- just eat less of it and change your choices. Try yogurt with probiotics, live bacteria that's good for your digestive system. It may help relieve constipation.
For some, it can mean twice a day, and for others, three times a week is normal. However, if you often have infrequent bowel movements, you may be constipated. Symptoms of constipation include: Fewer than three bowel movements a week.
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. Here are some examples of types of laxatives.
Foods that help ease constipation
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat. Whole grains.
Drink more liquids, aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Liquids can help keep stools soft. Good choices include water, prune juice, warm juices, decaffeinated teas and hot lemonade. A hot beverage may help to stimulate a bowel movement.
For most people constipation rarely causes complications, but people with long-term constipation can develop: haemorrhoids (piles) faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum) bowel incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools)
Metamucil is mainly used for constipation or to help boost a person's daily fiber intake. Healthcare providers will also sometimes suggest using it to help treat diarrhea or lower cholesterol. Metamucil's labeling states it can be used for adults and children ages 6 years and older.
The fats in olive oil can help smooth the insides of the bowel, making it easier for stools to pass. It can also help the stool hold in more water, keeping it softer. One tablespoon of olive oil, taken on an empty stomach in the morning, may relieve constipation for many healthy adults.
They're GSL (General Sale List) products, so you can buy them off the shelf in supermarkets and they're widely available online. Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results.