In older populations, chronic diarrhoea can arise from a variety of conditions like coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [2]. Microscopic colitis (MC) has emerged as a new and common cause of chronic diarrhoea in the general population.
It can affect people of all ages. An episode usually lasts about one or two days, and, typically, goes away on its own. Seniors are no more susceptible to diarrhea than others, but may sometimes require medical care when afflicted.
The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.” Other possible causes of diarrhea can include: Infection by bacteria.
The most common causes of acute and persistent diarrhea are infections, travelers' diarrhea, and side effects of medicines. Viral infections. Many viruses cause diarrhea, including norovirus link and rotavirus link. Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of acute diarrhea.
Some of the most common causes of diarrhea in older people include: Bacteria or viruses. More serious infections may cause vomiting as well. Medication: Some medications, especially antibiotics, can upset the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cause diarrhea.
Causes include consuming a diet that is too low in fibre and fluid, insufficient physical activity, medication side effect (e.g., opiates, tricyclic anti-depressants, calcium channel blockers), certain supplements (calcium and iron), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstructions or strictures from surgery, diabetes ...
Bowel incontinence is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the muscle that controls the opening of the anus. It can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
Increasing dietary fiber intake to 25 to 30 g daily may improve symptoms of constipation. Encourage physical activity to improve bowel regularity. If nonpharmacologic approaches fail, recommend increased fiber intake and/or laxatives to increase bowel movement frequency and improve symptoms of constipation.
The most common gastrointestinal complaints in elderly patients include dysphagia, dyspepsia, anorexia, constipation, and fecal incontinence.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, as well as other conditions like heart failure and kidney disease. Both ACE inhibitors and ARBs can cause diarrhea.
But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain. Bloody or black stools.
A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes, like celiac disease, in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections as well as ...
Certain cancers can cause diarrhea. These include neuroendocrine tumors, colon cancer, lymphoma, medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.
In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more.
Too much magnesium from foods isn't a concern for healthy adults. However, the same can't be said for supplements. High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Low-dose thiazide diuretics remain first-line therapy for older patients. Beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers are second-line medications that should be selected based on comorbidities and risk factors.
Side effects can include dizziness, a fast heartbeat or heart palpitations, headaches, or diarrhea.
As stated at the outset, as we age things change, and this includes bowel habits. The most common thing to happen with age is that constipation is more frequent.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS for short, is a common disorder affecting many people of all ages, particularly seniors. According to the Mayo Clinic, IBS is a disorder of the large intestine, or colon, causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
Fiber supplements such as psyllium (brand name Metamucil) are usually effective, provided an older adult drinks enough fluid and doesn't suffer from a condition causing slow colonic transit. Fiber supplements that get dried out in a slow colon can worsen blockage.