Old people often show symptoms of constipation such as a significant decrease in bowel movements and difficulty in defecation. Long-term constipation in the elderly can lead to toxin accumulation and have a significant impact on their health. So, how can it be treated? Let's take a look together!
The Hazards of Constipation in the Elderly
1. Impacts on Physical and Mental Health
Habitual and persistent constipation often leads to loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, headache, mental fatigue, irritability, and insomnia, causing distress for the elderly.
Some elderly people who have been taking laxatives for a long time may find them ineffective when taken again, leading to the need for enemas to relieve constipation, which can cause further distress and anxiety.
2. Aggravation of Existing Health Conditions
Elderly people with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart and lung diseases may experience worsened coughing due to constipation.
Elderly people with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure due to straining during constipation, leading to acute cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage.
3. Induction of Colorectal Malignancy
Constipation significantly prolongs the time it takes for feces to pass through the intestines, resulting in increased concentration of various carcinogenic substances in the colon and prolonged contact with the colonic mucosa.
Prolonged contact between carcinogenic substances and the colonic mucosa increases the risk of colorectal malignancy.
Therefore, long-term constipation poses a potential risk of colorectal malignancy in the elderly.
4. Increased Risk of Diverticular Disease
Smooth muscle tension in the gastrointestinal tract of the elderly decreases.
During constipation, excessive straining during bowel movements increases the pressure difference between the intestinal cavity and the abdominal wall, leading to the formation of diverticula in weakened areas of the intestinal wall.
5. Increased Risk of Fecal Impaction and Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal motility in the elderly is weakened. Prolonged retention of feces in the intestines during constipation can lead to the formation of "fecal stones."
If there is an excessive accumulation of fecal stones, it can lead to fecal impaction and intestinal obstruction.
6. Development of Prolapse and Hemorrhoids
Elderly people are more likely to experience rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids due to their weakened pelvic floor muscles. Constipation can exacerbate these conditions.
7. Triggering Arrhythmias or Myocardial Infarction
When constipated elderly people strain during bowel movements, the increased abdominal pressure and mental stress can cause temporary myocardial ischemia, leading to arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or even sudden death.
Treatment Methods for Constipation
1. Emphasize Dietary Therapy
Eat more fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, radish, spinach, and cabbage. Daily vegetable intake should be above 500 grams.
2. Increase Water Intake
If constipation is due to insufficient water intake, consider drinking water as a form of medication. Drink a glass of cold water or saline water on an empty stomach every morning and develop a habit of regular water intake, which can be beneficial for relieving constipation.
3. Engage in Regular Exercise
Take walks or engage in light jogging in the morning and evening to help restore colon tone.
Deep breathing exercises can also provide self-massage to the intestines, which can improve colon tone and increase intestinal peristalsis.
4. Establish Regular Bowel Movements
Develop a habit of having a bowel movement at a fixed time, preferably 20 minutes after breakfast. Drink 500 milliliters of water before defecation and take a 10-15 minute walk.
5. Medication
Use mild laxatives if necessary, such as 15 milliliters of glycerin or liquid paraffin every night, or brew 3 grams of senna leaves into tea. Other options include using Ma Ren Wan, Shang Qing Wan, or Niuhuang Jiedu tablets.
