MyMediktor - Uncomplicated constipation

Very low urgency

Common-

Change in bowel transit that causes infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), generally characterised by sparse and hard stools. It is a common reason for seeking medical help in older adults.

The main cause is a slowing of bowel transit and a diet with little or no fibre; some diseases also promote it.

Diagnosis is clinical, by interview and clinical examination. Patients should be asked about their diet, medication and co-morbidities. Depending on the symptoms, tests may be needed to determine the cause: abdominal x-ray, colonoscopy, etc.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, adding fibre to the diet, drinking plenty of water and regular exercise are recommended.

Bibliographic references

Satish SC Rao. Constipation in the older adult. UpToDate. Marzo 2015
Arnold Wald. Management of chronic constipation in adults. UpToDate. Junio 2015
Tramonte SM. The treatment of chronic constipation in adults. A systematic review. J Gen Intern Med 1997; 12:15.
Badiali D. Effect of wheat bran in treatment of chronic nonorganic constipation. A double-blind controlled trial. Dig Dis Sci 1995; 40:349.
Koloski NA. Impact of persistent constipation on health-related quality of life and mortality in older community-dwelling women. Am J Gastroenterol 2013; 108:1152.

Author

Dr. Patricia Sánchez

Symptoms

Defecates less than three times a week - constipation

Lower abdominal pain

Stomach rumbling

Alternate between constipation and diarrhoea

Localised abdominal pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Blood in stools

Difficulty breathing

A feeling of shortness of breath

Acute belly pain

Fever that doesn't subside with antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)

History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Expectoration that contains mucus and pus

Self-care

It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume hydrosoluble fibers (fruits and vegetables), avoid food that produced gas (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, and refined sugar.

Maintain hydration of 2L per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.

Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for laxatives.