Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2007 Jan;83(975):44-53.
doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2006.049361.

Ageing and the gut

A L D'Souza  1
Affiliations
Review

Ageing and the gut

A L D'Souza. Postgrad Med J. 2007 Jan.

Abstract

The current concepts on diagnosis, clinical features, and management of common gastrointestinal conditions in the elderly population, taking into account physiological aspects of ageing, are evaluated. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are discussed with an emphasis on oesophageal problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, malabsorption, diverticular disease, and cancer. GI problems are acquiring greater importance in hospitals and in the community and their incidence is increasing. Newer treatments have less impact on patients' wellbeing and meticulously planned investigation and treatment is needed. Careful selection of patients and application of modern techniques has improved survival and outcomes, with comparable results to those in younger age groups.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest declared.

References

    1. Orimo H. Reviewing the definition of ‘elderly'. Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi (Japanese) 20064327–34. - PubMed
    1. Baum B J, Bodner L. Aging and oral motor function: evidence for altered performance among older persons. J Dent Res 1983622–6. - PubMed
    1. Castell D O, Donner M W. Evaluation of dysphagia: a careful history is crucial. Dysphagia 1987265–71. - PubMed
    1. Murray J, Langmore S E, Ginsberg S.et al The significance of accumulated oropharyngeal secretions and swallowing frequency in predicting aspiration. Dysphagia 19961199–103. - PubMed
    1. Langmore S E. Evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia – which diagnostic tool is superior? Current Opinion Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery 200311485–489. - PubMed

MeSH terms