Management of constipation in the elderly.
In the elderly, the history--including dietary habits, onset, duration, and change in bowel pattern--is very important. Recent changes could suggest bowel disease such as carcinoma or a disordered metabolism. If the defecation stimulus is repeatedly denied by voluntary contraction of the external anal sphincter, the normal defecation reflex may be blunted and, in time, completely lost.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D003113:Colonoscopy; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004032:Diet; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004733:Enema; D006801:Humans