Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Balson.
For more than 70% of patients with diarrhoea, investigation can reveal a cause, which should be treated specifically whenever possible. Symptomatic treatment can be a useful adjunct or a mainstay if no cause can be found. Drug selection and doses are similar to those for younger age groups, but drug interactions and side effects, and dose adjustment because of renal failure, are more likely in the elderly.
An accurate diagnosis is of primary importance in lower gastrointestinal problems in the elderly. Reversible causes should be treated specifically whenever possible, but symptomatic treatment can be a useful adjunct or a mainstay if no cause can be found. For constipation symptomatic treatment should proceed stepwise, commencing with increase in dietary fibre content. Only if this approach fails should laxatives (osmotic) be used. Stimulant laxatives and paraffin are best used intermittently, if at all, because of their side effects.