Geriatrics
Constipation in Older Adults
Common + debilitating; identify cause, hydration + diet + mobility, laxatives stepwise.
Source: NICE CKS Constipation; BGS
Step 1 of ~3
info
Define + Workup
Constipation: ≤3 bowel motions/week, hard stools, straining, sense of incomplete evacuation, manual disimpaction. Affects 30–50% elderly.
Red flags: weight loss, PR bleeding, change in bowel habit >6 weeks at age >50, family hx CRC, abdominal mass — refer 2WW.
Causes: immobility, dehydration, low fibre, hypothyroidism, hyperCa, hypoK, drugs (opioids, anticholinergics, iron, calcium, antipsychotics), neurological (Parkinson's, MS, stroke), depression, evacuation disorder.
Examine: abdomen, PR (faecal impaction, mass, prostate).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Bendroflumethiazide · Thiazide Diuretic
- Lactulose (Paediatric) · Osmotic Laxative — Constipation / Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Senna (Paediatric) · Stimulant Laxative — Constipation in Children
- Ketoanalogues of Essential Amino Acids · CKD — Nutritional Supplement (Very Low Protein Diet)
- Macrogol (Polyethylene Glycol) · Osmotic Laxative — Bowel Preparation / Constipation
Pathways
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.