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Thomas Jefferson University, Department
of Family Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19107, USA.
Constipation is a common complaint
in older adults. Although constipation is
not a physiologic consequence of normal aging,
decreased mobility and other comorbid medical
conditions may contribute to its increased
prevalence in older adults.
Functional constipation
is diagnosed when no secondary causes can
be identified, such as a medical condition
or a medicine with a side effect profile
that includes constipation. Empiric treatment
may be tried initially for patients with
functional constipation.
Management of chronic
constipation includes keeping a stool diary
to record the nature of the bowel movements,
counseling on bowel training, increasing
fluid and dietary fiber intake, and increasing
physical activity. There are a variety of
over-the-counter and prescription laxatives
available for the treatment of constipation.
Fiber
and laxatives increase stool frequency and
improve symptoms of constipation. If constipation
is refractory to medical treatment, further
diagnostic evaluation may be warranted to
assess for colonic transit time and anorectal
dysfunction. Alternative treatment methods
such as biofeedback and surgery may be considered
for these patients.
PMID: 16342852 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] |
