Common Urinary and Bowel Disorders in the Geriatric Population

Abstract

The prevalence of urinary incontinence and other lower urinary tract symptoms increases with older age. These symptoms are more noticeable in men after the seventh decade of life and in women after menopause. Constipation and fecal incontinence are major causes of symptoms in elderly patients and can significantly impair quality of life. This article summarizes the current literature regarding the occurrence and implications of lower urinary tract and bowel symptoms in the geriatric population.

Keywords: Constipation; Diverticular disease; Fecal incontinence; Gastrointestinal motility; Irritable bowel syndrome; Lactose intolerance; Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.