Intractable Constipation in the Elderly

Overview

Journal Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2017 Aug 13

PMID 28801825

Citations 13

Authors

Noemi Baffy

Amy E Foxx-Orenstein

Lucinda A Harris

Susan Sterler

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder disproportionately affecting the elderly. Immobility, polypharmacy, and physiologic changes contribute to its increased prevalence in this population. Unidentified and undertreated constipation leads to a significant negative impact on quality of life and an increase in healthcare spending. Careful physical examination and exploration of the clinical history can unmask primary and secondary forms of constipation, guiding diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. Non-pharmacologic treatment options include bowel training and biofeedback as well as the addition of fiber. Laxatives are safe and can be used long term; thus, they remain the mainstay of therapy. Newer agents with specific physiologic targets have proven to be effective in adults with chronic constipation, but data is lacking for safety profile in the elderly. Consideration for surgery in medically refractory cases should be entertained, while use of neuromodulation is not ready for prime time. This is a review of the currently available treatment options for chronic constipation in adults and specifically tailored towards the elderly.

Citing Articles

Gastrointestinal Characteristics of Constipation from the Perspectives of Microbiome and Metabolome.

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Estrogen inhibits colonic smooth muscle contractions by regulating BKβ1 signaling.

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Effect of external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine on constipation in patients with CRF: A meta-analysis.

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Effectiveness and safety of lubiprostone after switching from stimulant laxatives in elderly patients with chronic constipation.

Maruyama M, Miida S, Sato T, Kimura T, Watanabe A, Watanabe H JGH Open. 2023; 7(9):610-617.

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Influence of Flax Seeds on the Gut Microbiota of Elderly Patients with Constipation.

Ma J, Sun J, Bai H, Ma H, Wang K, Wang J J Multidiscip Healthc. 2022; 15:2407-2418.

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