How Growing Older Effects Constipation
With primary constipation, treating constipation for the aged population can begin with empiric treatment without the use of drugs. This may include adding dietary fiber, recommending simple exercises, and asking the patient to keep track o his/her food intake using a diary.
Treating constipation with primary causes may also include the use of laxatives if results for the initial treatment are not successful.
Secondary constipation on the other hand, is often caused by medical and psychiatric conditions. Tests for complete blood count, serum glucose, creatinine levels, thyroid stimulating hormones, and calcium may be necessary to determine this type of constipation. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are also usually done for patients who are over 50 years old to rule out colon cancer.
Treating constipation of this type often include taking the patient out of the medications that’s causing the problem. If this is not possible, then a different brand or alternative drug can be given which will less likely cause constipation.
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