Constipation in Elderly Population and Its Appropriate Management

Alvin Hartanto Kurniawan,Novira Widajanti,Ulfa Kholili

doi:10.24871/2132020212-219

Abstract

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder commonly found in the community, especially in the elderly with various comorbidities. This problem culminates with the increasing incidence along with aging, increasing therapeutic cost, and decreasing the quality of life in this population. Some of the underlying causes are the difference in the terminology of constipation, shallow understanding of its pathophysiology, and poor management. The pathophysiology, including slow transit constipation, dyssynergic defecation, and normal transit constipation, is the most critical foundation in managing constipation accordingly. Diagnostic approaches should be made by history taking, including complaints based on Rome III, lifestyle, contributing factors, past medical history, and medications. Physical examination is considered incomplete without rectal examination. Thorough history taking and comprehensive physical examination have more diagnostic value than additional physiological workup. Management of constipation consists of non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, such as conventional laxative or more recent agents with better efficacy. Therapeutical management should correspond to the underlying pathophysiology. Therefore it is important to be able to recognize constipation and make the right management approach in the elderly.

Highlights

Constipation is a medical disorder that is often seen in the community, even in the elderly population, which accompanied by other risks and comorbidities that increased burdensome to patients.[1]
A various constipation rate in the community was found approximately ~20-30% in the general patient population, but this number was found higher in the advanced age population, which is around 33.5%
A high constipation number had lead to a high expenditure burden from new constipated patient management, the annual cost for laxative agents, outpatient visits and inpatient administration of constipation, and investment of laxative drugs over-the-counter.[3,4]

Summary

Introduction

Constipation is a medical disorder that is often seen in the community, even in the elderly population, which accompanied by other risks and comorbidities that increased burdensome to patients.[1].

Results

Conclusion