What is constipation?

Constipation is difficulty in passing stools.

Signs of constipation

• Passing hard or dry stools

• Fewer bowel movements than usual

• Need to strain more to pas motion

• Feeling of incomplete emptying, sometimes with watery stools

What problems constipation cause?

• Bloating

• Discomfort

• Pain in abdomen

• Pain from excessive straining during bowel movements

• Confusion and infections in frail elderly

Why do elderly persons develop constipation?

1. Lack of fibre and water in diet.
2. Not enough physical activity or exercise.
3. Changes in the environment that cause changes in routine of food and drink intake for example staying in a hospital or travelling overseas.
4. Certain medications that can cause constipation, for example some painkillers, blood pressure medication, iron and calcium supplements, and require the use of mild laxatives.
5. Ignoring the natural urge to have a bowel movement suppresses the natural function of muscles and nerves of the back passage.
6. Medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, growth of tumours or cancers that block the colon.

How to prevent constipation?

• Drink up to 8 to 10 glasses of water every day unless your doctor has advised you to limit your intake.

• Increase your daily fibre intake by eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting down on processed food.

• Moderate your intake of alcohol and caffeine, as these can produce more urine and increase water loss from the body.

• Keep active and exercise regularly.

• Pass motion in a private and comfortable toilet.

• Respond quickly to your natural urge to pass motion.

• Set aside time each day to pass motion and create routine.

• Practise the correct posture when passing motion.

• Pass motion at the same time everyday.

Practise the correct posture when passing motion
 

• Sit on the toilet bowl or bedside commode.

• Put your feet on the ground and push your body forward.

• You may need a footstool if your toilet seat is high or you are not very tall.

• Rest your forearms on your thighs.

• Close your mouth and breathe deeply to increase the pressure in your abdomen and push down.

Push body forward Keep mouth closed Rest forearms on thighs Feet flat on ground or on footstool

What should my stools look like?

You can use the Bristol Stool Chart to check what your stools are telling you:

• Type 1 and 2 indicate constipation.

• Type 3 and 4 are ideal stools.

• Type 5, 6 and 7 may indicate diarrhoea.

You should aim to have a stool consistency of Type 3 or Type 4 based on the Bristol Stool Chart.

Bristol Stool Chart

When should I consult my healthcare professional?

If you suffer from constipation, have a medical condition or take medications that can cause constipation, or have a change in your bowel pattern for more than 6 weeks, please ask your nurse or doctor for advice.

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