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Affiliation
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. pfgallagher77@eircom.netIssue Date
2009MeSH
AdultAge Factors
Aged
Aging
Combined Modality Therapy
Constipation
Defecation
Evidence-Based Medicine
Fecal Impaction
Fecal Incontinence
Female
Health Services for the Aged
Humans
Male
Predictive Value of Tests
Risk Factors
Treatment Outcome
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Constipation in old age. 2009, 23 (6):875-87 Best Pract Res Clin GastroenterolJournal
Best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterologyDOI
10.1016/j.bpg.2009.09.001PubMed ID
19942165Abstract
The prevalence of constipation increases with age. However, constipation is not a physiological consequence of normal ageing. Indeed, the aetiology of constipation in older people is often multifactorial with co-morbid diseases, impaired mobility, reduced dietary fibre intake and prescription medications contributing significantly to constipation in many instances. A detailed clinical history and physical examination including digital rectal examination is usually sufficient to uncover the causes of constipation in older people; more specialized tests of anorectal physiology and colonic transit are rarely required. The scientific evidence base from which to develop specific treatment recommendations for constipation in older people is, for the most part, slim. Constipation can be complicated by faecal impaction and incontinence, particularly in frail older people with reduced mobility and cognitive impairment; preventative strategies are important in those at risk.Item Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
1532-1916ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.bpg.2009.09.001
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