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Management of Constipation in Adults. Stephen Aglubat, MD May 2012. Objectives. Define Constipation Treatment options for constipation. Case.
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Management of Constipation in Adults Stephen Aglubat, MD May 2012
Objectives • Define Constipation • Treatment options for constipation
Case • 76 year old female with PMHx of HTN, DMII, HLD, presents to the clinic. She’s complaining of having stools only twice a week, and feeling “full.” She’s eating more vegetables, started drinking more water, and she recently included Metamucil to her diet. Her last colonoscopy one year ago was clean. She comes to your office to be evaluated for her constipation. What would you offer her for the constipation? • A. Lactulose • B. Senna • C. Docusate • D. Weekly tap water enemas
Definition • Rome III criteria: 2 of the below defines constipation • Straining • Lumpy Hard Stools • Incomplete Evacuation • Use of Digital Rectal Maneuvers • Sensation of Anorectal Blockage • < 3 Bowel Movements per week
Pathophysiology I • Constipation is caused by: • Primary Colorectal dysfunction • Slow Transit • Dyssnerygic Defacation • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pathophysiology II • Constipation is caused by: • Secondary Causes • Endocrine/Metabolic • Neurologic • Myogenic Disorders • Medications • Obstruction • Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Management • Initial treatment of Chronic Functional Constipation • Lifestyle modification • Diet and fiber
Lifestyle Modifications • Increased fluid intake • Exercise • Establish regular bowel regimen pattern
Diet and fiber • Fiber increases bulk/distension • Distention causes stool propulsion. • >25 g of fiber/day • Effect may take weeks. • Adverse effects: Bloating, flatulence
Laxatives I • Stimulant Laxatives • Senna • Bisacodyl
Laxatives II • Bulk forming laxatives • Psyllium (Metamucil) • Methylcellulose (Citrucel) • Polycarbophil (FiberCon) • Dextran (Benefiber)
Laxatives III • Osmotic Laxatives • Polyethylene glycol • Lactulose • Sorbitol • Magnesium Hydroxide
Other therapies • Colonic secretagogues • Lubipristone
Summary • Constipation in the older adult may be due to chronic constipation, secondary etiologic factors • A thorough history must be obtained to rule out secondary causes. • Therapy includes: • Diet/lifestyle • Stimulant Laxatives • Osmotic Laxatives
Case • 76 year old female with PMHx of HTN, DMII, HLD, presents to the clinic. She’s complaining of having stools only twice a week, and feeling “full.” She’s eating more vegetables, started drinking more water, and she recently included Metamucil to her diet. Her last colonoscopy one year ago was clean. She comes to your office to be evaluated for her constipation. What would you offer her for the constipation? • A. Lactulose • B. Senna • C. Docusate • D. Weekly tap water enemas
Case • 76 year old female with PMHx of HTN, DMII, HLD, presents to the clinic. She’s complaining of having stools only twice a week, and feeling “full.” She’s eating more vegetables, started drinking more water, and she recently included Metamucil to her diet. Her last colonoscopy one year ago was clean. She comes to your office to be evaluated for her constipation. What would you offer her for the constipation? • A. Lactulose • B. Senna • C. Docusate • D. Weekly tap water enemas
References • 1. Management of chronic constipation in older adults. Wald, Arthur. Uptodate.com. March 2012