According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, constipation in the elderly may be related to reduced bowel movement, eating less fiber, not drinking enough water and being less active. Some drugs such as opioids, iron supplements, calcium, antidepressants can also make the condition worse.
Diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's can also affect bowel function. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the cause instead of just focusing on treating symptoms.
Prolonged constipation can cause hard stools, difficulty with bowel movements, leading to hemorrhoids, rectal cracks, or stool accumulation. Urging often when defecating can also increase the risk of rectal prolapse. In some cases, large blocks of stool accumulated can cause intestinal obstruction and require medical treatment.
Increase fiber, water and exercise
To improve constipation, the elderly should increase fiber from green vegetables, fruits and whole grains; and drink enough water suitable for their health condition. People with heart and kidney diseases or who are asked by doctors to limit water need to adhere to the prescribed amount of fluid.
Maintaining appropriate exercise such as walking, light exercise, or dưỡng sinh can support bowel movements. When you need to defecate, you should not abstain. You can practice the habit of defecating at a fixed time, usually after meals. When sitting in the toilet, placing a low chair under your feet can help create a more favorable position.
If constipation is suspected to be related to medication, patients should not arbitrarily stop taking medication but need to talk to a doctor for evaluation and appropriate adjustment. Laxatives should also be used based on professional advice, especially in elderly people with many underlying diseases.
Recognizing signs to see a doctor
Elderly people need to see a doctor if they have prolonged constipation or signs of warning such as severe abdominal pain, prolonged bloating, vomiting, blood in stools, black stools, or unexplained weight loss. This may be a sign of digestive diseases that need to be checked.
