Anal Fissure

As a result of trying to excrete a hard mass of dried stool, the anus might sustain some injuries. This is referred to as anal fissure. An anal fissure is accompanied by a lot of pain and discomfort. 

Haemorrhoids

Having swollen veins in your anus region. Constipation can be a symptom of an underlying condition, and haemorrhoids often make constipation worse. Sometimes, certain conditions can make it more difficult to pass bowel movements, which can lead to more haemorrhoids developing.

Although many elderly people experience recurrent episodes of haemorrhoids, it is rare to develop an acute case. The majority of cases occur over time and are related to diet, lifestyle, or underlying conditions. The good news is that nearly all issues can be treated, and many will go away on their own.

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is another effect of constipation. It feels like a lump of flesh just below the rectal area, and happens when one’s anus appears downwards from its anal sphincter.

A prolapse happens because of various reasons, including constipation. The protrusion can then become distended, and the resulting lump may start bulging out from the rectum wall. When this occurs, bowel movements may appear to be difficult or even impossible.

Living with constipation can considerably affect your quality of life and social functioning. If not dealt with, over time constipation can lead to anxiety over going out if you haven’t ‘been’. Or even depression. Plus physical discomfort.

Preventing Constipation in Elderly

Understanding how to prevent constipation in elderly will help avoid complications that could become more severe health problems. The foremost medical advice to prevent constipation in the elderly, is proper hydration, getting enough exercise, and high fibre intake.

Also, medications and their side effects can be hard on the system, especially if one has a sickly or weakened immune system. Again, it is essential you drink water and other fluids as frequently as possible. We can’t emphasise that often enough 😊

Constipation – Easing the Strain: Video

As an older adult looking for natural ways of preventing constipation in elderly people, you are not alone. Improper diet, lack of activity, even emotional stress can all be contributors to constipation.

However, there is a natural way to overcome this problem. And that is by making changes to your diet. Choosing healthy, fibre-rich food options. It is essential you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – low in fat, sugar, and salt. On the other hand, avoid processed/ highly refined foods, alcohol and other unhealthy habits.

Next, if you don’t already do this, check how you sit on the toilet. Try raising your feet on an Adult Toilet Squatting Stool, to encourage squatting.  You may find it helps make having a bowel movement easier. Squatting encourages faster, smoother bowel movements.

One thing to remember about frequent constipation is that it is sometimes the result of a weakened colon.

Many things cause a weakened colon. Things such as poor/ limited diets, obesity, high use of laxatives, medications, diseases and more.

So, to help you fight constipation, it is vital that you strengthen your colon. One of the best ways to do this naturally is to eat a wide and varied diet.

Although if you prefer, there are also lots of dietary supplements available that contain natural ingredients. For example, there is cod liver oil, available at many health food stores.

For more information on preventing constipation in elderly people, you should discuss it with your GP or Pharmacist.

Constipation in Elderly Treatment, Treatment for Severe Constipation in Elderly

Treating severe constipation in the elderly is usually straightforward in most cases. The following methods are often used:

Hydration and Dietary Improvement

Fibre is essential to increase bowel movement and ensure easier, regular stooling. It is also crucial that you take in more fluids and liquids.

However, eating more fibre has to follow drinking more water/ fluids/ hydration, to balance and treat constipation. Also, avoiding refined carbohydrates – such as baking flour and white rice – helps.

Restriction of Drug Usage

Some drugs cause a higher risk for elderly people to have frequent constipation.

So, assuming there is no change in your diet, and your diet is fibre-rich, and if there is consistent hydration, finding the drug responsible for constipation is necessary. Such drugs usually contain Iron.

Visiting a doctor at this stage is advisable. to guide the treatment needed to deal with your constipation. 

Exercise/ Movement

Exercise and movement help in the process of relieving the pain associated with constipation. Exercise and constipation diets can be an excellent way to help improve constipation.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Relieving Constipation: Video

Indeed, while exercise will provide some benefit in and of itself, it is also important to realise that you need to combine it with a high fibre diet. It is essential to continue with the exercise daily, for as long as your constipation persists.

Laxatives

Laxatives – which could be commonly found in drug stores – are effective in recovering regular bowel movements. If you find yourself suffering from chronic constipation, you may want to consider stool softeners and/or laxatives.

However, other preventative solutions should be considered first. Massaging your tummy can sometimes be as effective as laxatives in the treatment of constipation.

Best Foods for Constipation in Elderly, Diet for Constipation in Elderly

The best foods for constipation in the elderly are high-fibre foods.

Apart from foods rich in fibre such as beans, fresh vegetables and dried fruits, nuts and whole grains are some of the most effective foods for constipation in the elderly. Refined grains such as white rice must be avoided during constipation.

Constipation Foods: 6 Ways to Prevent Constipation Naturally

Does Constipation Cause Confusion In The Elderly?

In the elderly, the pain and discomfort caused by constipation lead to increased levels of confusion in people with dementia. Constipated elderly people with dementia-related diseases, may become aggressive and irritable.

Furthermore, dehydration – a significant cause of constipation – also leads to confusion. That is either directly, or from underlying conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s).

Medications That Cause Constipation in the Elderly

The ingredients in certain drugs lead to a side effect of constipation. Some of these drugs include:

• Antacids (with calcium and/or aluminium)
• Strong pain medication (including codeine, oxycodone and hydromorphone)
• Blood pressure medication (calcium blockers, and beta-blockers)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Iron supplements
• Antihistamines

In addition, some prescription drugs for diseases in elderly people can also cause constipation. Medications that cause constipation in the elderly include some:

• Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
• Antidepressants
• Seizure medications (phenytoin and gabapentin)
• Opioids
• Anticholinergics
• Antipsychotics

Is Constipation Dangerous In the Elderly?

Usually, constipation is easily treated in the mentally alert elderly, who can speak up at the start of this discomforting condition. But, in older people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other related mental disorders, speaking out on their discomfort will not be easy. And their confusion is bound to increase.

A simple case of constipation could lead to chronic constipation. Chronic constipation is dangerous in the elderly. This is mainly because the longer the stool stays in the rectum, the more water from the waste product is re-absorbed back into the body. That causes the stool to become increasingly dry and hard.

Natural Constipation Relief in 3 Easy Steps: Video

Natural Constipation Relief in 3 Easy Steps

Hard and dry stool blocking the rectum (faecal impaction) could lead to many serious illnesses. The pelvic floor muscles can become damaged, diverticulitis may develop and anal fissures causing pain may also occur.

As you can see, it is vital you do all in your power to prevent constipation. Or at the very least, to see your doctor as soon as possible if it continues for up to 3 days.

Home Remedies for Severe Constipation in Elderly

Home remedies for severe constipation in the elderly are advised to supplement a doctor’s prescription. Home remedies for elderly constipation include a combination of dietary foods. These are;

1. Increased daily water/ fluid consumption
2. Avoiding caffeine or dehydrating liquids like alcohol
3. Avoid dairy foods, including milk and cheese. Or replace with a plant-based alternative like soy or almond milk
4. Increase in the intake of fibre-rich foods such as cereal and bran
5. Exercising 
6. Use of mild laxative

Constipation can be avoided in the elderly. Suppose you are a carer to an elderly loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. In that case, you need to monitor the frequency of their toilet usage. You also want to watch out for changes in their attitude – aggression, irritation and confusion.

Preventing constipation is best with proper hydration and a balanced diet. Some medications necessary to manage the quality of life can sometimes be the cause of constipation. Therefore, following your doctor’s advice regarding diet is strongly encouraged.

Also, as an elderly person, regular exercise and a fibre-rich diet go a long way in preventing constipation and improving your quality of life.

And – of course – see your doctor if your constipation persists for longer than 3 days. Or if there’s blood in your stool, extreme pain when you poop, or weight loss even though you’re eating normally.

Regular bowel movements are crucial to eliminating waste, and constipation must not be left untreated.

Conclusion

So here we have it… Everything you need to live a less constipated life! What is your favourite food for keeping constipation at bay? And did you try that simple exercise to encourage bowel movements?

Do Share 🙂