Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used in the prevention of cardiovascular events but can be associated with upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including ulcers.
There appears to be no specific effect of aging on bowel function. It is more likely the cumulative result of decreased mobility, comorbid illness, and medication side effects that cause a higher incidence of constipation among older adults.
Constipation is a common complaint, especially in older adults. It results in millions of physician visits per year, with hundreds of millions of dollars spent on laxatives.
Nausea and emesis are distressing symptoms that can contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, and decreased quality of life in older patients.
MD, FRCPC, FACP, AGSF
I am writing this editorial while attending on a general medical service at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Whenever I do this, my first impression is that general medicine is really acute geriatric medicine, and I am incredibly thankful for my background in geriatrics.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is traditionally considered a disorder of young adulthood; however, it affects adults of all ages, including older adults.
Unintentional weight loss is common among older adults and is associated with significant adverse health outcomes, increased mortality, and progressive disability.
An understanding of the changes in gastrointestinal function that occur with aging can assist physicians in making patient care decisions.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the older adult offers challenges for diagnosis and treatment; however, very little research has been done in this regard.
