Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Constipation Or Fecal Impaction Be Diagnosed In An Elderly Person?
Question: Dear Doctor, can you please advise how you can assess constipation in an elderly person who
has suspected constipation or fecal impaction by way of abdominal examination and also is there a bood test for constipation or what elshe is there to establish.
has suspected constipation or fecal impaction by way of abdominal examination and also is there a bood test for constipation or what elshe is there to establish.
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
For constipation of recent onset in an elderly individual, the following should be done as first step.
1. Digital rectal examination - This will also help to know whether there is fecal impaction.
2. Stool occult blood test - This is a screening test for malignant obstruction causing constipation.
If stool occult blood test is positive , colonoscopy may have to be done.
The other tests for evaluation of constipation include colon transit study, balloon expulsion test, defecography and anorectal manometry.
Blood tests may be done to rule out diabetes, hypothyroidism which are some of the causes for constipation.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
For constipation of recent onset in an elderly individual, the following should be done as first step.
1. Digital rectal examination - This will also help to know whether there is fecal impaction.
2. Stool occult blood test - This is a screening test for malignant obstruction causing constipation.
If stool occult blood test is positive , colonoscopy may have to be done.
The other tests for evaluation of constipation include colon transit study, balloon expulsion test, defecography and anorectal manometry.
Blood tests may be done to rule out diabetes, hypothyroidism which are some of the causes for constipation.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you doctor the blood result shows high urea of 18.7 and low albumin of 22 could be signs of constipation
Brief Answer:
No
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No, these are not signs of constipation.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
No
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No, these are not signs of constipation.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
would pain in the supra pubic area ..when i press there...it is very pain ie tender and illicit a huge respince..could that be a sign of constipation
Brief Answer:
No
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
If you have not had a bowel movement for a few days and if your rectum is loaded with feces, you may have discomfort in the suprapubic and left iliac fossa areas.
But tenderness may not be there.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
No
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
If you have not had a bowel movement for a few days and if your rectum is loaded with feces, you may have discomfort in the suprapubic and left iliac fossa areas.
But tenderness may not be there.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
