Treating the elderly with "heart": Pay attention to chronic diarrhea in the elderly

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms in gastroenterology, which refers to bowel movements 3 or more times a day, or a frequency significantly exceeding the usual habit, with thin or watery stools. If the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, it is called chronic diarrhea. The elderly are more susceptible to the disease due to reduced resistance, vascular changes, lack of digestive enzymes, digestive system or systemic diseases, etc. Some elderly people also think that diarrhea is just a normal manifestation of aging and do not pay enough attention to it. Today, our popular science will introduce you to this easily overlooked disease - chronic diarrhea.

The harm of chronic diarrhea in the elderly

1. Long-term diarrhea may cause malnutrition, anemia, etc.: Food and other nutrients ingested by the human body are digested, decomposed and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. When the elderly suffer from chronic diarrhea, the body's absorption of nutrients is impaired, and malnutrition will occur in the long run. When the absorption of protein and other hematopoietic raw materials is reduced, it will cause anemia, and symptoms such as pale skin, nails, lips, dizziness, tinnitus, and fatigue will appear.

2. Can reduce one's own immunity: Chronic diarrhea that is not cured for a long time can weaken the body's resistance to infectious diseases and various pathogens, and easily induce infectious diseases.

3. When the diarrhea is severe, it will cause dehydration and water and electrolyte imbalance. In severe cases, it will induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, endangering the life and health of the elderly.

What diseases are likely to cause chronic diarrhea in the elderly?

1. Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, etc., may be accompanied by chronic diarrhea symptoms during the course of the disease.

2. Intestinal inflammatory diseases: such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.

3. Intestinal tumor lesions: Colon cancer is more common in the elderly. In the early stages, there may only be diarrhea symptoms without typical blood in the stool.

4. Functional intestinal diseases: irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal flora imbalance, etc.

Recommendations for chronic diarrhea in older adults

1. Adjust your eating habits and try to choose nutritious and easily digestible foods, preferably foods with less residue and less oil. Avoid eating spicy, cold, or overnight foods.

2. Ensure adequate sleep, a good mood, and proper exercise to improve intestinal function.

3. Probiotics can be used appropriately to regulate intestinal flora, and antidiarrheal drugs can also be stored at home: such as montmorillonite powder.

4. It is recommended to perform colonoscopy at an early stage, which is of great significance for early screening of colon cancer.

5. If diarrhea worsens or is accompanied by abdominal pain, blood or pus in the stool, seek medical attention immediately.