- Despite widespread belief, constipation is not necessarily a part of growing older.
- Bowel habits are similar in both younger and older healthy people.
- Constipation is defined as stools that are:
- Too small
- Too hard
- Too difficult to pass
- Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
- Constipation is caused by:
- Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
- Medication side effects
- Emotional or physical stress
- Misconception about normal bowel habits
- Lack of activity
- Medical problems
- How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
- Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
- Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
- Eat meals on a regular schedule
- Chew your food well
- Gradually increase daily exercise
- Respond to urges to move your bowels
- Avoid straining
See your doctor if these measures don't work
- Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and fiber supplements are the preferred treatment for chronic constipation.
- In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of stool softeners.
- Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives regularly, consult your doctor to make sure what you are using is right for you.
- Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most often due to leakage around a fecal impaction. Removing the impaction will usually restore continence.
- Incontinence of stool in healthy older people deserves full education and treatment. Treatment options include:
- Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of stool
- Medications to decrease stool frequency
- Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
- Biofeedback training
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