Constipation Help
Little Known Ways to Prevent Constipation in Elderly
Constipation affects over 30% of people over the age of 65, and is closely linked to the way the elderly perceive their quality of life. One important fact is that some of the elderly believe that they are experiencing constipation when, in fact, they are not. Having a bowel movement on a regular basis 3 times a week means you are not experiencing constipation. Straining yourself when passing stool also does not necessarily indicate that you have constipation. But, when you are experiencing constipation, it is important to remember that constipation can be a sign of a serious illness like colon cancer or a symptom of hypothyroidism. It is important that a doctor rules out illnesses as the cause of constipation. So, what can be done when bowel movement in the elderly is not regular?
1. Medications. Most elderly people take many kinds of medications on a daily basis. These medications, helpful to other situations as they may be, can play a major part in the constipation problem. Pain killers especially are responsible to many of the constipation cases. Checking the label of each medicine the elderly person takes can point out whether constipation is likely to be one of the side effects. If medications are a part of the problem – consult the doctor. Maybe a change of dosage or switching to another medicine altogether is possible and can help relieve the constipation.
2. Fluid intake. The elderly in general suffer from weakening of the muscles. This includes the muscles that help passing stool. In order to make it easier for the muscles to pass stool, it should be soft. If fluid intake alone does not help, prunes which function as a natural stool softener can help in achieving the wanted result.
3. Regular fiber consumption. What is true for treating constipation in everyone, is even more so when it comes to the elderly. A daily dose of fruit and vegetables can help soften the stool, and softer stool means the elderly do not have to strain themselves in order to defecate.
The important thing to remember is that many things can be done to relieve constipation in the elderly, and many constipation remedies that are efficient for other age groups can also tremendously help the elderly.
For more information on constipation remedies, visit best constipation cures.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_S_Hill