What to do with constipation in the elderly? What treatments are effective for constipation?
Constipation is a common intestinal problem in the elderly, mainly due to slowing down intestinal peristalsis and decreased intestinal water. Long-term constipation will have a serious impact on the physical and mental health of the elderly, such as intestinal dysfunction, decreased immunity, and increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to address the problem of constipation in the elderly. This article will introduce you to some ways to solve constipation in the elderly and help them get rid of constipation.
1. Dietary adjustments
1. Increase dietary fiber intake: Dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and help relieve constipation. The elderly should appropriately increase foods rich in dietary fiber, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, vegetables, fruits, etc.
2. Increase water intake: Adequate water intake helps keep the intestines moist and soften the stool. The elderly should ensure that they drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and at the same time, they can drink some honey water, lemonade, etc., to promote intestinal peristalsis.
3. Reasonable diet: The elderly should have a reasonable diet and avoid excessive intake of high-calorie and high-fat foods, so as not to increase the burden on the intestines. Beans, potatoes and other foods can be appropriately increased to provide sufficient dietary fiber.
2. Exercise
1. Increase aerobic exercise: Proper aerobic exercise can enhance intestinal peristalsis and promote bowel movements. The elderly can choose suitable exercises according to their physical conditions, such as walking, jogging, tai chi, swimming, etc.
2. Strengthen abdominal muscle exercise: Abdominal muscles are an important force for bowel movements, and strengthening abdominal muscle exercises can help improve constipation. Older people can do abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups, planks, etc.
3. Levator ani exercise: Levator ani exercise can enhance the contractility of the anal sphincter and help with bowel movements.Older people can do levator ani exercises several times a day for about 5 minutes each time.
3. Develop good bowel habits
1. Develop the habit of regular bowel movements: The elderly should develop the habit of regular bowel movements every day, such as waking up in the morning or after meals. Even if there is no urge to defecate, you should try to go to the toilet and squat for a while to develop the defecation reflex.
2. Don't tolerate defecation: Once you feel the urge to defecate, the elderly should go to the toilet in time to defecate and don't tolerate it. Patience can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of the intestines to bowel movements, which can worsen constipation.
3. Keep a comfortable bowel environment: The elderly should keep the bowel environment comfortable, such as keeping the toilet clean and installing a toilet, to reduce the discomfort of defecation.
4. Appropriate use of laxatives
1. Lactobacillus: Lactobacillus is a microecological regulator that can regulate the balance of intestinal flora and help relieve constipation. Older people can take lactobacillus appropriately under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Bulk laxatives: Bulk laxatives such as polyethylene glycol, etc., can increase the volume of stool, soften stool, and help relieve constipation. Older people can take bulk laxatives appropriately under the guidance of a doctor.
3. Stimulant laxatives: Stimulant laxatives such as senna, rhubarb, etc., can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote bowel movements.Older people should use stimulant laxatives with caution under the guidance of a doctor to avoid dependence.
5. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment
1. Acupuncture treatment: Acupuncture can promote intestinal peristalsis and relieve constipation by adjusting the function of viscera. Older people can seek the help of a professional acupuncturist for acupuncture treatment.
2. Cupping treatment: Cupping can stimulate the meridians, promote the flow of qi and blood, and improve the symptoms of constipation. Older people can be treated with cupping under the guidance of a medical professional.
3. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: Traditional Chinese medicine has a good effect on the treatment of constipation, and the corresponding traditional Chinese medicine can be used for conditioning according to the specific constitution and condition of the elderly. Elderly people should take Chinese medicine under the guidance of a professional doctor.
Constipation in the elderly requires comprehensive treatment, including dietary adjustment, exercise, good bowel habits, appropriate use of laxatives, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. In the process of solving the problem of constipation, the elderly should maintain a positive attitude and adhere to the treatment to improve the symptoms of constipation and improve the quality of life.