Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly.
Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are very common in older persons. Constipation is over diagnosed and over treated in older persons. Lifestyle changes, osmotic laxatives, and lubiprostone are the approaches of choice for the management of constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation in older persons.
Morley
John E
JE
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University Medical Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., M238, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. morley@slu.edu
D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy