Management of constipation in the elderly.
In the elderly, the history--including dietary habits, onset, duration, and change in bowel pattern--is very important. Recent changes could suggest bowel disease such as carcinoma or a disordered metabolism. If the defecation stimulus is repeatedly denied by voluntary contraction of the external anal sphincter, the normal defecation reflex may be blunted and, in time, completely lost.
Age Factors↗