Did You Know? Addressing Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a prevalent symptom in older adults. Up to 20 percent of community-dwelling older adults and 74 percent of nursing home residents use laxatives on a daily basis. Age, immobility, comorbid conditions, polypharmacy, eating less and inadequate hydration are all risk factors for constipation. This month's DYK article addresses chronic constipation management, reviews medical conditions and medications that can contribute to constipation, and provides a summary of recommendations for medication selection to treat constipation from recent guideline updates. The goal of treatment is to alleviate bowel-related symptoms that are bothersome to the patient.

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