Smooth sailing: best stool softener for the elderly to use. You asked for it, so here it is, the best stool softeners for the elderly.
I usually take a laxative (Milk of Magnesia) when I have a problem. That’s what my doctor suggested.
I sometimes have problems because of the side effects from some of my meds. But, I did some research on some of the best softeners for you.
How often should an elderly person have a bowel movement?
A normal bowel movement frequency for an elderly person varies from person to person, but it’s generally between three times a day and three times a week.
However, there are many factors that can affect how often someone has a bowel movement
Constipation Becomes More Common as People Age
In the general population, approximately 30% of people will experience constipation during their lifetime.
The prevalence of constipation increases beyond age 60 years with a marked increase after age 70 years as frailty increases.
At any point in time, approximately one-third of people aged over 60 years may have constipation and in residential care facilities the prevalence of symptoms can be expected to be greater than 50%.
In general, constipation is more often encountered in females, and older females are more likely to have severe symptoms.
Common Causes of Constipation in Older Adults
Smooth sailing: best stool softener for the elderly to use. Several factors contribute to this trend:
Dietary Changes
Consequently, older adults may consume less fiber, leading to harder stools and difficulty in bowel movements.
Decreased Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle, which is more common in older adults, can slow down the digestive system. That fits me perfectly.
I keep saying I’m going to try to go for walks again and then I forget because I’m busy doing these posts. But that’s not a good enough excuse.
Medications
Many older adults take medications that can contribute to constipation, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications.
Health Conditions
Chronic health issues, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and hypothyroidism, can affect bowel function.
Yes, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. I’m scoring high on this list, how about you?
Changes in Digestive System
Overall, the digestive system may become less efficient with age, leading to slower transit times.
Hydration
Older adults may not drink enough fluids, which is essential for preventing constipation. I necessarily don’t drink enough fluids, I just don’t drink the right ones. How about you?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
Common signs and symptoms of constipation include:
- Infrequent Bowel Movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
- Straining: Difficulty or straining during bowel movements.
- Hard or Lumpy Stools: Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy in consistency.
- Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: A sensation that the bowel has not completely emptied after a movement.
- Abdominal Discomfort: Also, cramping, bloating, or general discomfort in the abdomen.
- Nausea: A feeling of nausea, which can sometimes accompany constipation.
- Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat, which can be related to discomfort.
- Rectal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the rectal area during bowel movements.
Medications That Can Cause or Worsen Constipation
Smooth sailing: best stool softener for the elderly to use. Several types of medications can cause or worsen constipation. Common categories include:
- Opioids: Pain relievers such as morphine, oxycodone, and codeine can significantly slow down bowel movements.
- Antidepressants: Some tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline) can lead to constipation as a side effect.
- Antacids: Certain antacids containing aluminum or calcium can cause constipation.
- Diuretics: Medications that promote urine production (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) can lead to dehydration, which may contribute to constipation.
- Iron Supplements: Iron can cause constipation, especially in higher doses.
- Antihistamines: Some antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine) can have a constipating effect.
- Muscle Relaxants: Medications like cyclobenzaprine can slow down bowel movements.
- Parkinson’s Disease Medications: Some drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease can contribute to constipation.
- Certain Blood Pressure Medications: Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) can lead to constipation.
- Chemotherapy Drugs: Some cancer treatments can disrupt normal bowel function.
Can Chronic Laxative Use Lead to “Lazy” Bowel?
Yes, chronic laxative use can lead to a “lazy” bowel, also known as lazy bowel syndrome or atonic colon:
Physical Dependence
Over time, the body can become dependent on laxatives to have a bowel movement, and the colon may stop responding to normal doses.
This can lead to the need for larger and larger doses to have a bowel movement.
Organ Damage
Subsequently, prolonged laxative use can damage internal organs, including the colon, liver, and kidneys.
The colon can become less responsive to normal signals for a bowel movement, even after stopping laxatives.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Nonetheless, laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances by disturbing the balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. This can lead to improper functioning of vital organs.
Dehydration
Severe dehydration can cause weakness, tremors, blurry vision, fainting, kidney damage, and in extreme cases, death.
Other symptoms of laxative abuse include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Shivering or shaking
- Sweating
- Chronic stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
If you’ve been using laxatives for a long time, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
4 Types of Over-the-Counter Laxatives That Work
Psyllium
Smooth sailing: best stool softener for the elderly to use. It is a plant seed fibre used as a bulking laxative that is available in many OTC products and is also fully subsidised on prescription.
The product is dissolved in fluid with additional fluid intake required to prevent the fibre obstructing the bowel.
Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate)
It acts as an permeable laxative. Long-term use of magnesium salts may cause Increased constipation.
As well as lethargy, hypotension and respiratory depression. Epsom salts should be avoided if cardiac or renal interruption is present.
Sodium Citrate
It acts as an absorptive laxative and is available OTC in enemas or oral mixtures.
However, it is generally considered inappropriate in older patients due to risk of hypernatremia and water retention.
Kiwifruit Extracts
It may decrease abdominal discomfort in people with constipation, possibly via the action of an enzyme or the characteristics of kiwifruit fibre.
Other Treatments for Constipation
Constipation in the elderly can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications:
- Fiber: Increase fiber intake to 25–30 grams per day. Fiber supplements like methylcellulose, psyllium, or polycarbophil can help improve symptoms. Fiber can help soften stools and make them easier to pass.
- Fluids: Drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
- Exercise: Encourage physical activity to improve bowel regularity.
- Laxatives: If non-pharmacological approaches don’t work, you can try laxatives. You can start with an osmotic laxative, like polyethylene glycol, then a stool softener, like docusate sodium, and finally a stimulant laxative. You can also try rectal suppositories or enemas.
- Other medications: If other laxatives don’t work, you can try linaclotide or lubiprostone. Prucalopride is another medication that can help stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.
- Biofeedback: This training practice can help you learn how to pass stools more effectively.
You should avoid long-term use of magnesium-based laxatives because they can be toxic.
Sum It All Up
Smooth sailing: best stool softener for the elderly to use. There’s the low down on constipation and how alleviate it in the older adult section.
I’m taking iron pills for the anemia, and that has really helped me with the constipation.
It used to be so bad that I would get terrible cramping. Now, I’m more “regular.” Yet, as we get older , we’re more succeptible to being constipated.
Also, it doesn’t help if you’re not active and moving around. I’m bad on that note because my muscles and joints are sore because of Parkinson’s.
I mainly just sit on my bed pretty much most of the day. Although, I’m going to try to go for short walks and see how that goes. Peace and alway’s love. Until next time…
Articles About Stool Softeners For Elderly
-What causes constipation in older adults and how to treat it
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/elderly-and-constipation
-Fast Constipation Relief: Tips and Home Remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/how-to-make-yourself-poop#faq
-What Not to Do When You’re Constipated
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/constipation-what-not-to-do
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice In Favor Of Changing My Lifestyle”
“Why are you worrying about YOU-KNOW-WHO, when you should be worrying about YOU-NO-POO? The constipation sensation that’s gripping the nation!”–J. K. Rowling
“When people are collecting gold they aren’t doing business. … Gold is constipation: even bankruptcy is more fluid. Gold isn’t wealth: positions in markets are wealth.”-Christina Stead
“Constipation ran Presley’s life. Even his famous motto TCB— ’Taking Care of Business’— sounds like a reference to bathroom matters.”-Mary Roach, Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal
“…of constipation of the brain & diarrhea of the mouth.”-Jack Kerouac, Scattered Poems
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