CONSTIPATION IN THE ELDERLY AND LAXATIVES.

Constipation is considered one of the most common health problems in the elderly.

As a measure to solve the problem, they tend to abuse of laxatives because they are the fastest way.

As future nurses, we must leave laxatives as the last option, trying to change the elder’s  life habits:

• ·      Diet, including a higher intake of fiber substances.
• ·      Increasing water intake to 1.5 l per day.
• ·      Increasing exercise and mobility.
• ·      Checking the drugs they take and can cause constipation: opiates, anticholinergics, antiacids, NSAIDs, antihistamines, calcium, iron salts, calcium supplements...
• ·      Encouraging bowel habit as routin.

Laxatives must  be used for a limited time as they may cause patient’s tolerance or colon irritation.

The nurse plays a key role in patient education and in monitoring their evolution.