Evaluating and managing constipation in the elderly.
Constipation is common in the elderly because of age-related physiologic changes and polypharmacy. Secondary constipation is treated by correcting underlying pathology or reducing predisposing factors. Primary constipation is amenable to dietary adjustments, education and behavioral training, and laxatives when necessary.
Ginsberg
David A
DA
Department of Urology, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Phillips
Sidney E
SE
Wallace
Joyce
J
Josephson
Karen L
KL
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007792:Lactulose / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy; D014039:Toilet Training
D002400:Cathartics; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007792:Lactulose