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Suggest Treatment For Constipation In An Elderly Man Whose Movements Are Recently Restricted Due To Muscle Weakness
Question: Good evening doctor.
The question is regarding my 86 years old father who has no BP, cardiac or sugar problems. Only due to muscle weakness in legs, he was advised Physio theraphy and from past 2 weeks his movements are restricted.
Today for first time he is facing severe constipation problem. In the noon, the motions were stuck while coming out and I had to manually pull it out. He still feels he has not cleared all the motion.
Lactihep syrup 30 ml we have given now and a glass of warm milk which he has everyday evening. I am worried about his constipation and any complication that can come up in night. Please advise
The question is regarding my 86 years old father who has no BP, cardiac or sugar problems. Only due to muscle weakness in legs, he was advised Physio theraphy and from past 2 weeks his movements are restricted.
Today for first time he is facing severe constipation problem. In the noon, the motions were stuck while coming out and I had to manually pull it out. He still feels he has not cleared all the motion.
Lactihep syrup 30 ml we have given now and a glass of warm milk which he has everyday evening. I am worried about his constipation and any complication that can come up in night. Please advise
Brief Answer:
Need to be concerned regarding loose motion after Lactihep intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Thanks for your query.
Lactihep (pharmacologically Lactitol) is an Osmotic laxative.
Since you have administered him 30 ml of Lactihep syrup and a glass of warm milk, this will take care of the constipation issue.
However, cases of diarrhea or loose motion has been reported after intake of Lactihep, especially in older patients.
You need to be concerned regarding this aspect.
If any such thing occurs, kindly maintain his fluid & electrolyte balance. The loose motions will get controlled on its own once the effect of Lactihep gets over.
Though stool softeners or laxatives (like Lactihep) are helpful in providing symptomatic relief, their regular use should be avoided to prevent unwanted side effects.
So, it is better to treat the underlying cause for the constipation.
The reasons for constipation can be:
1. Functional cause - due to decreased gastric motility, as seen with progressing age.
2. Inadequate intake of fluids and fibers in diet.
3. Any obstruction/ pathology in the Gastrointestinal tract.
4. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc.
Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult his treating doctor/ Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination.
Investigations like complete blood count, stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen & Colonoscopy will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for his symptoms.
Till then, he should maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status.
Wishing your father a good health.
Take care.
Need to be concerned regarding loose motion after Lactihep intake
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Thanks for your query.
Lactihep (pharmacologically Lactitol) is an Osmotic laxative.
Since you have administered him 30 ml of Lactihep syrup and a glass of warm milk, this will take care of the constipation issue.
However, cases of diarrhea or loose motion has been reported after intake of Lactihep, especially in older patients.
You need to be concerned regarding this aspect.
If any such thing occurs, kindly maintain his fluid & electrolyte balance. The loose motions will get controlled on its own once the effect of Lactihep gets over.
Though stool softeners or laxatives (like Lactihep) are helpful in providing symptomatic relief, their regular use should be avoided to prevent unwanted side effects.
So, it is better to treat the underlying cause for the constipation.
The reasons for constipation can be:
1. Functional cause - due to decreased gastric motility, as seen with progressing age.
2. Inadequate intake of fluids and fibers in diet.
3. Any obstruction/ pathology in the Gastrointestinal tract.
4. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc.
Clinical examination is important for diagnosis, so I will advise you to consult his treating doctor/ Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination.
Investigations like complete blood count, stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen & Colonoscopy will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for his symptoms.
Till then, he should maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status.
Wishing your father a good health.
Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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