Constipation in the elderly: causes and treatments. Chronic constipation in the elderly: treatment and prevention Homemade laxative for a bedridden patient

A laxative for bedridden patients is prescribed by qualified specialists. Restoration of the intestine is carried out in a complex manner, drug treatment should be combined with the chronic form of the disease. The lack of physical activity of a person is the cause of the development of pathology, which should be eliminated.

The fundamental cause of constipation is a decrease in the tone of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the immobility of the person, the disorder is observed after 14 days. Physically disabled people experience shame because of the urge to defecate.

If we consider the causes of the disorder in more detail, the formation is influenced by factors:

the systematic use of drugs laxative spectrum of action;
sphincter dysfunction;
the intestines lose their working tone;
long-term use of painkillers and various sleeping pills;
the presence of a psycho-emotional barrier;
poor-quality nutrition (diet is selected);
minimum fluid level in the human body.

A person who has had a stroke is faced with brain dysfunction. The damaged area of the cortex, which is responsible for the length of the impulse through the intestines, ceases to create emptying signals.

Overview of effective laxatives

Constipation in bedridden elderly people is eliminated by drugs of a laxative spectrum of action. The international classification system includes six groups of substances with features of pharmacological action.

plasticizers. Medicines give a softening effect. Popular options: vaseline oil, glycerin, Norgalax, almond oil. Substances are active within the small intestine. Fecal masses become soft, intestinal peristalsis is stimulated. The drugs are suitable for women after childbirth, people after poisoning. A laxative for bedridden elderly patients is prescribed by a doctor.
Osmotic laxatives. Salt-type preparations (“Sodium Sulfate”) accumulate additional fluid in the intestines. Prebiotics ("Lactulose", "Normaza") increase the level of acidity in the intestines. The drug "Macrogol" affects the optimization of the hydration process, without adversely affecting the microflora.
Bulk laxatives. Seaweed and flax seeds are laxative components that are indigestible in the human intestine. To expand the volume of the body will allow figs, psyllium husks. When using the ingredients, it is recommended to drink up to 2 liters of water per day. Treatment is relevant for patients with IBS and chronic constipation. In the event of an allergic reaction to the components, treatment should be discontinued.
Classic candles (rectal) and enemas. The mechanism of action is to soften the feces, increase the volume. The method is suitable for cleaning before laboratory tests and for occasional constipation. Among the side effects are diarrhea, unpleasant itching in the anus. Focus on Norgalax, Bisacodyl, Glycerol and Microlax.
contact irritants. Castor oil has an irritating effect on the mucosa, the nerves of the colon. "Bisacodyl" qualitatively stimulates intestinal motility. The feces stop hardening. "Guttalax" is used in acute forms of constipation. Side effects: dysbacteriosis, addiction and dehydration.

Constipation in bedridden patients is effectively eliminated with combined drugs. The drug "Agiolaks" includes psyllium seeds, sucrose, senna fruits. The composition of the ingredients allows you to comprehensively affect constipation. An alternative option is Regulax medicine, which includes glycerol and figs.

How to feed a bedridden patient so that there is no constipation

Elderly people facing a problem should balance their diet. The human menu is dominated by products of plant origin (greens, vegetables, fruits, bakery products made from wholemeal flour). Gastroenterologists recommend eating bran with cereals and May pitching honey. It is forbidden to use ingredients:

bread from flour of the first grade;
confectionery, pastries;
minimize the amount of rice, semolina;
exclude fatty meat;
canned, smoked products;
mushrooms;
chicken eggs (fried, boiled);
radish, turnip, daikon, onion, garlic;
seasonings, mustard, mayonnaise.

Nutrition is based on the use of seafood, buckwheat porridge and chicken meat. For a variety of menus, sauerkraut, tomato salad, cucumber are suitable. Drizzle with natural olive oil. The fractional nutrition scheme is presented in small portions up to 7 times a day.

The cooking process is steamed. Vegetables should not be chopped while cooking. The functioning of the intestines will be stable. Drink plenty. Curdled milk, kefir, rosehip broth, vegetable juices are suitable. You can make fresh juice at home. It is forbidden to use brewed teas, kissels and alcoholic beverages. Preference should be given to herbal infusions that gently affect the condition of the mucous membrane.

Options used in the treatment of constipation:

Dried fruits. Take 100 g of prunes + 100 g of nuts + 100 g of dried apricots. Grind the ingredients with a blender, mix with honey. Mixture to eat with constipation, 20 g before bedtime. Keep food refrigerated.
100 g flax seeds (fine powder fraction) + 50 g grapefruit pulp + 50 g ginger root. The mixture is stirred until homogeneous. Eat 1 tsp. every 40 minutes (for any age group).
Raisins 30 g + 300 ml of purified water. The infusion is aged for 180 minutes. The decoction is consumed at 100 grams per 24 hours.
Flaxseed oil is suitable for removing constipation. Drops of liquid contain nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. Nutritionists recommend consuming 15 ml of oil with 250 ml of homemade yogurt. You can buy at the pharmacy.

Senna leaves are an effective remedy for constipation. The ingredient is ground to a powder state. For 3 tbsp. plants are poured with 200 ml of pure water. The infusion is aged in a closed jar for 10 hours. Reception is carried out by 1 tbsp. every 24 hours and replaces any tablet.

How to give an enema to an adult bedridden patient at home

To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of an enema, a special Esmarch mug and compact rubber cans are used (cleansing, nourishing, medicinal and oil types). For the implementation of a cleansing enema, a soapy solution or classic castor oil is used.

disinfect the tip of the device;
fill the mug with warm water (volume 1.5 liters);
prepare vaseline or baby cream;
place the patient on his side, spread an oilcloth under him;
the patient's legs are bent at the knees, tucked up to the stomach (lying on the side);
Esmarch's mug is hung near the bed;
release the air from the prepared fixture;
lubricate the tip of the device with Vaseline;
spread the patient's buttocks, gently insert the device into the anus (5-8 cm).

Proctologists recommend that patients relax while inserting the tip. Breathing should be even and deep. Turn on the enema faucet to minimize spasms. Supply water evenly. For the treatment to be effective, keep the liquid in the intestines for 10-15 minutes. In case of poor-quality bowel cleansing, the procedure is repeated.

Constipation in a bedridden patient of senile/advanced age is a common disease. The disease is the result of an operation or the result of drug treatment. Neurogenic disorders affect the disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Emotional stress, depression negatively affect the functionality of the intestines and stomach. Treatment with folk remedies is possible as an adjuvant therapy. You can get rid of constipation in this way under the supervision of a doctor.

Possible consequences and prevention

Prolonged constipation can provoke complications, disorders. Common: inflammation of the sigmoid and rectum. Prolonged stagnation of decay products can provoke the formation of enteritis, hepatitis. The main consequences in the absence of treatment for constipation:

development of hemorrhoids;
fiber inflammation;
acquired megacolon;
cancer of the rectum and colon.

Oncology of the intestines is associated with an increased concentration of carcinogens. Substances affect the walls of the intestines, causing a person to feel unwell. The patient loses weight rapidly. Blood clots are observed in the feces. Only a doctor can set a treatment regimen.

The pathological condition of the intestines of the old man requires a correction of the diet. Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products. Compliance with the defecation regimen will allow you to develop a “habit” and normalize the work of the digestive tract. Avoid nervous tension, stress.

Unfortunately, constipation in the bedridden elderly is a common problem that is difficult to manage. How to solve it as painlessly as possible?

Constipation in bedridden elderly is inevitable

A sedentary lifestyle weakens all types of muscles, including the smooth muscles of the intestines. As a result, the intestines “stagnate”, constipation appears.

You will say, it's okay - I didn’t go to the toilet today, I will definitely go tomorrow. However, normally go to the toilet needed daily.

Why constipation is harmful

The fight for the intestines

Prevention is better than cure. When caring for a bedridden patient, you need to remember the threat of constipation and help him lead an “anti-constipation” lifestyle.

Proper nutrition

The diet should be varied, rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, which cleanse the intestines. Include in it seaweed, apples, bran, corn, barley and oatmeal, beets and prunes. A bedridden patient needs food that makes digestion work “at full speed”. Read more about .

Physical exercise

There are exercises and sports equipment specifically for bedridden patients and people with disabilities.

Breath

Constipation in elderly bedridden people is afraid of breathing exercises that improve digestion. Its essence is to strongly inflate the stomach, hold your breath in this position, then exhale. Then you need to pull the stomach in as deeply as possible, hold for 5-7 seconds and relax. It is better to alternate exercises, performing 3-4 times a day.

Massage

A friend of peristalsis is massage and self-massage of the abdomen. Remember how mom used to drive circles clockwise around her navel with her fist so that her stomach would not hurt? Repeat this massage a couple of times a day, "starting" the intestines.

Safe laxatives

against sharp and use safe natural laxatives. They gently, without bubbling and flatulence, cleanse the intestines. Ideal laxatives are those that empty the intestines, treat it and "teach" to work without interruption.

Do the least damage rectal suppositories, which act exclusively in the large intestine, do not irritate the upper digestive system.

So many worries about caring for a bedridden patient have fallen on you. RectActive® will quickly and easily solve one of them!

After two weeks, there is a delay in the stool in a bedridden patient due to a decrease in the tone of the gastrointestinal tract, due to the lack of physical activity. Hypodynamia leads to the absence of the urge to defecate and the stagnation of feces in the colon.

A bedridden patient is forced to perform an act of defecation in a forced, uncomfortable position of the body and with the help of strangers.

An uncomfortable situation helps the patient suppress the urge to empty the bowels. A long stay of chyme in the intestine provokes the accumulation of toxic substances that enter the bloodstream and cause an intoxication syndrome.

The consequences of this condition cause significant damage to the health of the patient, not only the digestive process is disturbed, but also the general condition worsens.

Factors contributing to the development of stool retention in a bed patient:

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive system.
Decreased tone of the intestinal walls.
Weakens the tone of the sphincter of the rectum.
Medical treatment.
Incorrect or insufficient nutrition.
Reducing the number of wave-like bowel movements.
Psychological barrier.
Restriction or inability to move.

In bedridden patients, constipation becomes chronic, and uncontrolled use of laxatives provokes intestinal addiction.

Principles of treatment of constipation in a bedridden patient

The treatment of constipation in bedridden patients in the elderly is aimed at an individual approach to the disease, for this the following rules are applied:

Treatment should be without the use of aggressive methods.
All medicines must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Laxatives for the elderly are selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism.
Primary therapy for constipation begins with the use of herbal preparations.

Treatment of constipation after a stroke

After a stroke, a patient has a violation of the discharge of feces.

The main causes of constipation after a stroke:

Damage to the parts of the brain (lack of reflexes responsible for the urge to empty the intestines).
Hypodynamia (the patient is forced to constantly lie down, which contributes to the stagnation of chyme).
Malnutrition (the patient does not have a swallowing reflex).
Paralysis of the limbs (inability to take a comfortable position for defecation).
Psychological aspects (patients are embarrassed to relieve themselves in front of relatives or strangers).
Drug treatment (the use of certain drugs causes dysbacteriosis).

In a hospital setting, drugs, a cleansing enema, or digital stool extraction are prescribed to restore bowel function.

In some patients after a stroke, the habit of taking laxatives at home remains, which adversely affects the regulation of independent urge to defecate.

Constipation after a stroke requires an integrated approach to treatment, which includes control of bowel activity and dietary modification.

Constipation after a stroke should be corrected with a plant-milk diet.

It should include the following products:

dill;
bran bread;
lean meats;
non-carbonated mineral water;
dairy products.

To prevent difficult bowel movements, it is recommended to exclude the following products:

bakery products;
yolk;
canned meat;
strong coffee, cocoa;
bananas;
pears;
persimmon;
potato;
cabbage;
carbonated drinks.

Massage can be used to enhance peristalsis in a patient. The procedure is performed several times a day, for this you need to put your hands on the patient's stomach and perform massage movements in a clockwise direction. After the procedure, offer the patient to empty himself on a special bedside vessel.

Laxatives for constipation

To alleviate the condition, the doctor may prescribe laxatives. For these purposes, bistro-acting drugs are used, they help to empty the intestines for 2-10 hours.

Laxatives used in bedridden patients:

Plant-based preparations (Senade, Faibefrom, Depuraflux).
Irritants (Guttalks, Regulax, Pirilax).
Salt laxatives (magnesium sulfate, Karlovy Vary salt, sodium salt).
Prebiotics (Duphalac, Linex, Bifidumbacterin).

In patients on bed rest, constipation can be treated with a drug based on lactulose. It has a stimulating effect on intestinal motility and is used to prevent diseases of the digestive system.

Lactulose is used for the treatment of chronic stool retention and dysbacteriosis, helps to restore beneficial intestinal microflora. The mechanism of action is based on the ability of the drug to retain fluid in the colon.

Applying a cleansing enema

Various enemas are used to quickly cleanse the digestive tract.

The algorithm for conducting a cleansing enema in a bedridden patient:

Turn the patient on the left side and bend the knees.
Under the patient lay an oilcloth, the horses of which will hang down into a bucket for sewage.
Fill Esmarch's mug with 1-2 liters of water at a temperature of 25-30 degrees.
Lubricate the tip with vaseline or liquid mil before inserting the tip into the straight passage.
Insert the tip 2-3 cm, raise the cup to a height of 1 m from the patient and open the clamp.
After the introduction of water, ask the patient to hold it for 5 minutes.

Delivering thereby psychological and physical discomfort. To alleviate the condition of a person by establishing a normal chair for him is the main task of loved ones.

The main causes of constipation in bedridden patients

Infrequent defecation with partial emptying is diagnosed as constipation. The condition occurs when the tone of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract decreases. The process starts after 2-3 weeks of bed rest. Most often this contributes to:

advanced age;
chronic diseases;
psychological discomfort;
malnutrition;
taking medications.

Patient's age

Aging of the body leads to a slowdown in the activity of digestion, which provokes a delay in fecal masses. The sensitivity of the sphincter is dulled, the urge to release the stool becomes less pronounced. Constipation in a bedridden patient of senile age can also occur due to anemia, atrophy of the muscles of the emptying organs. After suffering, dysfunction of the brain regions often causes the absence of stool.

chronic diseases

The risk zone includes people of all ages suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In the first place is a stomach ulcer, hemorrhoids, oncological neoplasms. In some cases, diseases of the reproductive system can provoke constipation:

uterine fibroids;
endometriosis;
inflammation of the pelvic organs.

Chronic diseases are one of the causes of constipation in a bedridden patient of senile age. It threatens patients with diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism. The condition is aggravated by external factors, which include:

psychological barrier;
illiterate food;
the use of a minimum amount of liquid;
restriction of movements;
taking medications;
uncontrolled use.

Psychological discomfort

Constipation in a bedridden patient may occur due to emotional discomfort. Lying in bed, it is impossible to carry out the process of defecation without outside help. An immobile person suppresses the desire to empty. Fecal substances, accumulating in the intestines, disrupt its tone. As a result, intoxication of the body occurs, the patient's condition worsens.

In this delicate situation, the relatives of the patient should reassure the ward, convincing him that there is nothing shameful in the administration of natural needs. Also, caregivers need to provide a secluded environment for the bedridden patient during emptying (enclose the bed with a screen, leave the room, etc.).

Symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment methods

Constipation in a bedridden patient is expressed in a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements compared to the usual schedule. The norm is daily emptying. Some people go once every 2 days. This is not a deviation. But with the retention of feces in the body for more than 3 days, the gradual filling of the intestine begins. In unreleased faeces, the process of putrefaction begins, poisoning the body with toxic substances.

Symptoms

The main sign of constipation is the absence of stool in the patient for several days. In this case, a person has the following symptoms:

distention of the intestines;
pain when urging during sphincter tension;
when emptying, feces come out in minimal quantities, forming dense lumps;
discomfort and pain during bowel movements;
the appearance of blood clots in injuries and cracking of the anus.

With constipation, a bedridden patient complains of fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, and trouble falling asleep. The lack of prolonged emptying can cause black and loose stools in bedridden patients.

Diagnostic methods

Attentive care of the patient will allow early identification of the problem. To do this, you need to know: how often the chair in a bedridden patient occurred in everyday life. With a delay of more than 48 hours, timely assistance should be provided.

In the clinic, a bedridden patient is interviewed by a specialist. The doctor conducts a general examination, palpates the abdominal area. If necessary, prescribes laboratory and instrumental studies that will determine what caused the patient's constipation.

Types of diagnostics:

Name of studies	What determine
Fecal analysis	Intestinal microflora
Blood analysis	The amount of sugar and hormones
Histology	Biopaths of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract
x-ray	Colon condition
Irregoscopy	Intestinal patency
Coprogram	Occult blood in stool
Manometry	Motor function of the colon

After collecting all the data that exclude or confirm the presence of extraneous diseases, the doctor prescribes a course of therapeutic treatment for constipation.

Important! The treatment of constipation in the elderly should be dealt with by a doctor. Self-administration of drugs and traditional medicine without consultation is not permissible.

Prevention of constipation through diet

Regardless of the cause of the pathology, relatives should know how to help a bedridden patient with constipation. A balanced diet and drinking enough fluids come to the rescue.

Products needed to maintain:

boiled carrots and beets;
prunes and dried apricots, preferably in the form of decoctions and compotes;
fermented milk products based on real bacteria;
plant foods containing a lot of fiber;
vegetables (for example, pumpkin), which contribute to the soft excretion of feces;
vegetable oils.

Important! It is necessary to observe the drinking regimen. To normalize the stool, the total fluid intake should exceed 1.5 liters per day.

Medical treatment

Used in extreme cases. For these purposes, fast-acting drugs are used: Senade, Guttalks, Linex, Dufalac or rectal suppositories. More about the various described in another article.

It will help to quickly empty the intestines of a bedridden patient. To do this, you need to lay the person on his side and bend his knees. The bed is covered with oilcloth to avoid pollution. Manipulations are carried out using Esmarch's mug.

Main points of the procedure:

Water for introduction into the intestines is heated to 36 degrees;
First, a small amount of liquid is injected, after the release of the first feces, a second enema is performed with a volume of 1.5 liters;
The tip is lubricated with vegetable oil for easier insertion;
The water container must be raised to a height of up to 1 meter.

Prolonged use of drugs, frequent enemas can disrupt the normal function of gastrointestinal motility in a bedridden patient. To get rid of constipation, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of this disease.

Chronic stool problems can cause digestive complications. Persistent bowel obstruction requires surgical intervention. That is why it is necessary to carefully monitor the frequency of emptying in a person who is bedridden for a long time in order to avoid the occurrence of secondary diseases.

Video

Constipation is a very serious disease that often occurs in older people. It occurs due to disruption of the digestive system, in particular the intestines.
In order to remedy this situation, a number of measures must be taken. But before proceeding with treatment, it is necessary to find out the reasons that contribute to the appearance of this disease in the elderly.

In older people, this problem is much more common than in young people. The reason for all this are physiological changes in the body.

First of all muscles weaken, and therefore intestinal motility worsens. Therefore, feces are difficult to excrete from the body. In addition, the intestinal environment also changes. Microorganisms in this section lose their useful properties.

Some medications that the elderly often take can also cause constipation. As a result, solid feces are formed in the large intestine, which are difficult to remove from the body. This can lead to intestinal obstruction.

How to treat?

First of all, in order to remove toxic substances from your body, you need to change your lifestyle. Of course, it is not always easy for the elderly to do this, especially when it comes to those patients who cannot move independently.

But in order to improve bowel function it is necessary to adhere to a special diet, follow a diet and daily routine. Regular exercise will also help.

In some cases, physical activity must be abandoned altogether. All this must be supervised by the attending physician.

Folk recipes

In addition to medications and a diet that a doctor will prescribe, in order to cope with the problem, you can resort to traditional medicine methods.

Laxatives

Medicinal preparations, in particular laxatives, should be taken with caution and strictly under the supervision of the attending physician.

Important! The effect of drugs can be influenced by various factors - age, individual characteristics, the use of other drugs. All this must be taken into account.

Most specialists prescribe herbal laxatives, or those that have an irritating effect, to patients. We list the most common and effective remedies for constipation:

Candles

Many doctors prescribe suppositories for elderly patients suffering from rare stools. Below is a list of the most effective drugs in this group:

Olestezin, Glycelax and other candles based on glycerin.
Candles of synthetic origin that irritate the intestines - Bisacodyl.
RectActive- suppositories that belong to the group of homeopathic medicines.
eva q- laxative suppositories that can form carbon dioxide.

In some cases, constipation in the elderly is caused by hemorrhoids. In this case, you can use candles such as Relief, or sea buckthorn.

How to deal with the chronic form?

The chronic form is a more severe disease. To get rid of it, you can use other effective methods of treatment.

Prevention methods

Probably everyone knows that any disease is better to prevent than to treat it later. Prevention is much easier than cure. In order for the work of your intestines not to be disturbed, try to follow the following rules:

Eat right.
Walk regularly in the fresh air.
Do your exercises.
Drink the required amount of liquid.
Limit the intake of flour.

Diet food

Nutrition plays a major role. First of all, it must be fractional. Meals should be carried out 5-6 times a day, while portions should be small. Make sure your diet is dominated by foods rich in vitamins. Try to avoid junk food completely.

Proper drinking regimen

Drinking water is also important. Some people make a huge mistake by completely replacing plain water with teas or juices. This cannot be done! You need to drink up to 2.5 liters of plain water per day. This indicator depends on the weight and gender of the person.

Massage

Muscle tone decreases with age. For this reason, rare stools may occur. But to prevent this from happening, you can do regular abdominal massage. It is very easy to do and you won't spend much time. Lie on your back and begin to massage your stomach, making circular movements with your hand. Make 100 movements clockwise and then counterclockwise.

Regular physical activity

Perform daily exercise It will be useful not only to improve the general condition of the body. In addition, it is also an excellent prevention of the disease. Spend only 5-10 minutes in the morning or evening for simple exercises. It is also important not to overdo it. You can consult with a specialist who will help you choose the set of necessary exercises. It is also useful for prevention to take walks in the fresh air.

Useful video

Watch a video on the topic:

Conclusion

Constipation is a serious pathology that is quite common in older people, especially women. If this problem is ignored, it can lead to even more serious consequences. Therefore, at the first symptoms, it is better to immediately consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Only a specialist can prescribe the right treatment regimen for you.

Inexpensive, effective fast-acting constipation suppositories for adults: indications, side effects and prices

What kind of water to drink from constipation: mineral Essentuki, Donat and dill. Which is better - cold or heated?

The most effective laxative suppositories for constipation for the elderly. Top 10 funds