[Chronic constipations in elderly people]

Abstract

Chronic constipations in elderly people proved to be an important medical and social problem due to their high prevalence and serious complications caused by the very disease and administration of stimulating laxatives. They include as follows: anorectic incontinence, large intestine obstruction, stercoral ulcers, laxative dependence and bowels toxic affection (Cathartic colon). Morphological and physiological prerequisites of chronic constipation and anorectic incontinence occurrence are examined in this review. Drugs and tactics for monitoring constipations depending on their severity, dominance of transit and evacuation disturbances, occurrence of anorectic incontinence are described. Characteristics of laxatives and intestinal motility regulators, range of side effects as well as experience of their application in elderly patients with functional constipations and irritable bowel syndrome are presented.