What are the common causes of diarrhea in elderly individuals. How can seniors prevent and manage diarrhea symptoms. When should older adults seek medical care for persistent diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea in Seniors: A Comprehensive Overview

Diarrhea, characterized by the frequent passage of loose, watery stools three or more times a day, can affect individuals of all ages, including seniors. While older adults are not necessarily more susceptible to diarrhea, they may require special attention and care when afflicted due to potential complications.

Typically lasting one to two days, diarrhea often resolves on its own. However, for elderly individuals, prolonged episodes can lead to more serious health concerns, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms in Older Adults

Identifying diarrhea symptoms in seniors is crucial for timely treatment. Common signs include:

• Watery stools
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Urgent need for bowel movements
• Mucus in the stool
• Bloating
• Nausea

When diarrhea is caused by a virus or bacteria, additional symptoms may manifest:

• Fever
• Chills
• Bloody stools

When Should Seniors Seek Treatment for Diarrhea?

If diarrhea symptoms persist for more than a few days in an elderly individual, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults with weakened immune systems.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in the Elderly Population

Understanding the root causes of diarrhea in seniors is essential for effective treatment and prevention. The most frequent culprits include:

1. Viral infections (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus)
2. Bacterial and parasitic contamination
3. Medication side effects
4. Lactose intolerance
5. Digestive disorders

Viral Infections: A Major Contributor to Diarrhea in Seniors

Norovirus, highly contagious and often responsible for diarrhea outbreaks in nursing homes and cruise ships, is a primary concern for elderly individuals. How does norovirus spread in senior living facilities? The virus can quickly transmit through contaminated surfaces, food, or water, making proper hygiene practices crucial in these environments.

Medication-Induced Diarrhea in Older Adults

Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. Which medications are most likely to cause diarrhea in elderly patients? Antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids containing magnesium are frequent offenders. Antibiotics, in particular, can disturb the natural balance of intestinal bacteria, potentially resulting in diarrhea.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Diarrhea in Seniors

Preventing diarrhea in older adults primarily involves maintaining good hygiene practices and being cautious about food and water consumption, especially when traveling. Here are some essential prevention strategies:

Proper Handwashing Techniques for Seniors

Handwashing is a simple yet effective method to prevent viral diarrhea. Seniors should follow these steps:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, and before handling food
• Lather with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when washing isn’t possible

Travel Precautions for Elderly Individuals

When visiting developing countries, seniors should take extra precautions to avoid traveler’s diarrhea:

• Drink only bottled water and avoid ice made with tap water
• Refrain from eating food from street vendors
• Consume only peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables
• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood and meat

Managing Diarrhea Symptoms in Older Adults

While most cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, seniors require special attention to prevent complications. How can elderly individuals effectively manage diarrhea symptoms?

• Stay hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids to replace lost electrolytes
• Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
• Include potatoes, peanut butter, and skinless poultry in the diet
• Avoid foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as raw fruits and vegetables, spicy foods, beans, and cabbage

Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications may provide relief, but seniors should consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medications.

Potential Complications of Untreated Diarrhea in Seniors

If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to severe complications in elderly individuals. What are the risks associated with prolonged diarrhea in seniors?

Dehydration: A Serious Concern for Older Adults

Dehydration is the most significant risk associated with untreated diarrhea in seniors. It can be life-threatening, particularly for those with weakened immune systems. Signs of dehydration in elderly individuals include:

• Little or no urination
• Dark urine
• Dry mouth or skin
• Weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Difficulty speaking

Other Severe Complications

In addition to dehydration, seniors with untreated diarrhea may experience:

• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• High fever (102°F or higher)
• Black, tarry stools
• Stools containing blood or pus

If any of these complications or signs of dehydration occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.

The Role of Mobile Healthcare in Managing Diarrhea in Seniors

For elderly individuals requiring prompt medical attention for persistent diarrhea symptoms, mobile healthcare services offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to emergency rooms or urgent care clinics. How do mobile healthcare professionals assist seniors with diarrhea?

• Provide in-home medical care for non-life-threatening conditions
• Offer private and convenient treatment options
• Administer safe and effective diarrhea treatments
• Help restore comfort and confidence in daily life

Services like DispatchHealth bring medical care directly to the patient’s home, ensuring that seniors receive the necessary treatment without the stress of visiting a healthcare facility.

Nutritional Considerations for Seniors Recovering from Diarrhea

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery from diarrhea, especially for older adults. What dietary guidelines should seniors follow when recovering from diarrhea?

The BRAT Diet: A Gentle Approach to Recovery

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is often recommended for individuals recovering from diarrhea. Why is the BRAT diet beneficial for seniors with diarrhea? These foods are easy to digest, provide necessary carbohydrates, and help firm up stools. Additionally, bananas are rich in potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost during diarrhea episodes.

Expanding the Recovery Diet

As symptoms improve, seniors can gradually introduce other easily digestible foods into their diet:

• Potatoes (baked or mashed)
• Lean, skinless chicken or turkey
• Cooked carrots
• Smooth peanut butter
• Clear broths and soups

It’s crucial to avoid foods that may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms, such as:

• Dairy products (except for yogurt with live cultures)
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy dishes
• Caffeine and alcohol
• High-fiber foods

The Importance of Hydration in Diarrhea Management for Seniors

Maintaining proper hydration is critical when managing diarrhea in older adults. How can seniors ensure adequate fluid intake during diarrhea episodes?

Optimal Hydration Strategies for Elderly Individuals

To prevent dehydration, seniors should focus on consuming:

• Clear fluids (water, clear broths, weak tea)
• Oral rehydration solutions
• Electrolyte-rich beverages (without added sugars)
• Ice chips or popsicles (for those having difficulty swallowing liquids)

It’s important to sip fluids slowly and consistently throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once, which may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.

Monitoring Hydration Status in Older Adults

Caregivers and family members should closely monitor the hydration status of seniors experiencing diarrhea. Signs of proper hydration include:

• Clear or light yellow urine
• Moist mouth and lips
• Regular urination
• Stable blood pressure
• Alert and responsive behavior

Long-Term Management of Chronic Diarrhea in Seniors

While acute diarrhea typically resolves within a few days, some seniors may experience chronic diarrhea due to underlying health conditions. How can elderly individuals effectively manage chronic diarrhea?

Identifying Underlying Causes

Chronic diarrhea in seniors may be attributed to various factors, including:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Chronic infections
• Medication side effects

Proper diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective long-term management plan.

Treatment Strategies for Chronic Diarrhea in Older Adults

Managing chronic diarrhea in seniors often involves a multifaceted approach:

• Dietary modifications tailored to the underlying cause
• Prescription medications to address specific conditions
• Probiotics to support gut health
• Stress management techniques
• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers

In some cases, seniors may benefit from working with a gastroenterologist or a dietitian specializing in geriatric nutrition to develop a comprehensive management plan.

The Role of Caregivers in Supporting Seniors with Diarrhea

Caregivers play a crucial role in helping elderly individuals manage and recover from diarrhea episodes. What are the key responsibilities of caregivers in supporting seniors with diarrhea?

Providing Practical Assistance

Caregivers can offer valuable support by:

• Ensuring easy access to bathroom facilities
• Assisting with personal hygiene
• Preparing appropriate meals and drinks
• Monitoring medication intake
• Keeping track of symptoms and bowel movements

Emotional Support and Communication

Beyond practical assistance, caregivers should:

• Offer reassurance and emotional support
• Maintain open communication with healthcare providers
• Encourage adherence to treatment plans
• Help seniors maintain dignity and comfort during recovery

By providing comprehensive care and support, caregivers can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors experiencing diarrhea and facilitate a faster recovery.

Diarrhea in Seniors | Geriatric Urgent Medical Care

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery, stools three or more times in one day. It can affect people of all ages. An episode usually lasts about one or two days, and, typically, goes away on its own. Seniors are no more susceptible to diarrhea than others, but may sometimes require medical care when afflicted. If you think that’s the case with your elderly loved one, you should know that DispatchHealth provides medical care for non-life-threatening conditions that’s far more private and convenient than an emergency room or urgent care clinic. We can come to your loved one’s home to administer safe and effective diarrhea treatment that restores his or her comfort and allows a confident return to daily life.

If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Diarrhea symptoms & when to seek treatment

In addition to watery stools, the most common signs of diarrhea include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• The urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Mucus in the stool
• Bloating
• Nausea

If a virus or bacteria is the cause of diarrhea, it can also be accompanied by:

• Fever
• Chills
• Bloody stools

If your elderly loved one’s diarrhea symptoms last more than a few days, it may be time to seek professional medical care.

Causes of diarrhea in seniors

The most common causes of diarrhea are:

• Viral infections – Viruses that cause diarrhea include rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus. The highly contagious norovirus is the most common cause of diarrhea epidemics, such as those that occur on cruise ships, and at nursing homes, schools, and daycare facilities.
• Bacteria and parasites – Food or water contaminated with bacteria and parasites can cause infectious diarrhea, also known as traveler’s diarrhea since it’s common among people traveling to developing countries.
• Medications – Some medications can upset the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea — for example, antibiotics, which disturb the natural balance of intestinal bacteria. Other medications that can lead to diarrhea are cancer drugs and antacids with magnesium.
• Lactose intolerance – Some people who have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, can experience diarrhea after consuming them. Lactose intolerance can worsen with age due to lower levels of the enzyme that helps digest lactose.
• Digestive disorders – Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are among the illnesses associated with chronic diarrhea.

How to prevent diarrhea in seniors

Fortunately, viral diarrhea can be prevented by handwashing. Your elderly loved one can follow these simple steps to ensure adequate protection:

• Wash frequently – Wash hands after using the toilet, sneezing, coughing, blowing one’s nose, before and after preparing food, and after handling uncooked meat.
• Lather with soap – Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds to develop a good lather. This about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
• Use a hand sanitizer – When washing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure to cover the front and back of both hands.

If traveling to developing countries, seniors should take the following precautions:

• Drink only bottled water
• Avoid ice made with tap water
• Avoid eating food from street vendors
• Eat only fruits or vegetables that are peeled or cooked
• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood or meat

If left untreated

In most cases, diarrhea can be treated at home with plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. The BRAT diet — bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast — can also help ease symptoms. Potatoes, peanut butter, and skinless chicken or turkey are also other good food choices. (While recovering, avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse, such as raw fruits and vegetables, spicy foods, beans, or cabbage.) Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications may also provide symptom relief, but seniors should consult their doctor before taking any of these drugs.

If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening, particularly in seniors with weakened immune systems. If your elderly loved one has diarrhea, be watchful for signs of dehydration such as:

• Little or no urination
• Dark urine
• Dry mouth or skin
• Weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Difficulty speaking

Other complications are severe abdominal or rectal pain, a fever of 102 degrees or higher, black, tarry stools, or stools that contain blood or pus.

If you notice any of these complications or any sign of dehydration, seek medical care immediately.

Help from mobile healthcare professionals

It’s safe to say that seniors who need prompt medical attention for persistent symptoms of diarrhea would rather avoid traveling to an emergency room. When you consider the unpredictable nature of the condition and the potentially long wait time at the ER, it’s easy to understand why treatment at home is much more preferable. That’s where DispatchHealth comes in. We are a qualified team of medical professionals who can be at your elderly loved one’s doorstep within two hours after you contact us. We are equipped with all the medical tools and supplies to treat a wide variety of conditions, including diarrhea. We can administer IV fluids, test electrolyte levels, and provide nausea or pain medication to keep your loved as comfortable as possible while on the way to a full recovery. To give you even more peace of mind, we’ve partnered with major insurance companies to make our advanced medical care affordable. You can contact us via our website, our mobile app, or by phone seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.

How to Treat Diarrhea in the Elderly

Diarrhea is common in the elderly and can become a severe condition if not managed properly.

This article will help CDPAP caregivers provide the best care for their elderly family members that are experiencing diarrhea.

We will discuss how to identify symptoms of diarrhea, common causes, how to treat diarrhea in the elderly, and more!

Understanding Diarrhea

Before we get into how to care for diarrhea in the elderly, let’s first take a brief look into what happens in the body that results in diarrhea.

Diarrhea is not a disease, it’s a symptom of another illness.

It is a condition in which you have frequent watery, loose, and runny bowel motions. Bowel movements, also known as stools, are the body’s waste products transported through the rectum and anus.

Your stool is made of what is left after your digestive system absorbs nutrients and fluids from what you eat and drink. If the fluids are not absorbed by your body, or if your digestive system creates too many fluids, your stools will be loose and watery.

Loose stools are heavier than solid stools because they contain more water, salts, and minerals.

Diarrhea, while not always severe, may be quite uncomfortable and can occur at any age.

Acute diarrhea is a typical issue that lasts only a few days but might continue for longer. Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that persists for at least four weeks.

For older adults, diarrhea can become a significant problem if not treated promptly, because it can also lead to other issues like dehydration or malabsorption of nutrients. All of which can then cause further damage to their health.

So, it is vital to catch the early signs of diarrhea and get the right treatment as quickly as possible.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of diarrhea in the elderly.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in the Elderly

The symptoms of diarrhea in the elderly are similar to what younger people experience.

• watery diarrhea with abdominal cramps
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• bloating
• urgent need to use the bathroom

How to Recognize Diarrhea in the Elderly

For caregivers, diarrhea in their elderly loved ones can be challenging because it may not always cause discomfort until it is too late.

Older adults are less likely than younger people to recognize that they have diarrhea and therefore might not do anything about it until their symptoms become severe or go unnoticed.

Therefore, you might want to look for subtle clues that could suggest that your family member is experiencing GI discomfort.

For example, if they’re eating less frequently, or they show decreased interest in the foods they usually love.

While these signs may not automatically mean they’re experiencing diarrhea, you could still recognize them and talk to your family member about if there’s any digestive trouble.

Now let’s discuss some of the most common causes of diarrhea in the elderly.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Here is a list of the most common culprits that may cause GI conditions in your loved ones,

Diarrhea Caused by Bacteria/Viruses

The most common causes of diarrhea in the elderly are bacteria or viruses, just like the rest of us.

But because the immune system is often weaker in older adults, they might be more susceptible to a stomach upset because they can’t fight off the pathogens as effectively.

Antibiotics and antiviral medications can treat diarrhea, but because they also kill “good” bacteria along with the bad ones it’s important to make sure you aren’t giving them to someone who doesn’t need them.

Diarrhea From Food Intolerance

Diarrhea can be triggered by food intolerance. If your loved one experiences diarrhea after eating certain foods, it could indicate a diagnosed allergy to the food being eaten.

Symptoms of food allergies can also include vomiting and hives, as well as diarrhea.

These are all signs that you should immediately consult with a doctor about what is causing them to have these allergic reactions so they can prescribe medications, if needed, before the symptoms get worse.

Clostridium Difficile Bacteria and Diarrhea

Older adults, particularly those older than 65, are particularly susceptible to diarrhea caused by clostridium difficile bacteria, also known as C. difficile. Typical symptoms include the following.

• Watery diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fever,
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating

Your loved one could be at a higher risk of C. difficile in the following cases.

• Stayed (or was discharged from) a healthcare facility within the last 12 weeks
• Either currently on antibiotics or finished a course recently
• Recent treatment with proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and omeprazole (Prilosec), which are known to cause serious complications including nausea, heartburn, or stomach cramps.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is another potential cause of diarrhea in the elderly.

This occurs when small bulging sacs of the bowel (diverticula) become infected and inflamed.

These diverticula can develop as a complication of chronic diarrhea, so your loved one’s doctor might treat both conditions at once if they suspect this cause of symptoms.

Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis is a type of colon damage caused by a lack, or interruption, of blood flow.

It can also cause diarrhea in the elderly.

Signs to look out for can be the following:

• Sudden abdominal pain
• Bloody and loose stool
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating

Bowel Obstruction/Fecal Impaction

Obstruction of the small or large intestine is more likely to affect older persons, owing to age-related risk factors such as previous abdominal or pelvic surgery and digestive system tumors.

Diarrhea is more common in individuals with a small bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and bloating are all signs of bowel blockage.

A large bowel obstruction caused by fecal impaction frequently leads to watery diarrhea as bowel fluid seeps around the blockage.

This condition is most common among older adults who have suffered from frequent and severe constipation for a long time.

Other Bowel Disorders

If your loved one or family member is diagnosed with another bowel disorder, then they are more likely to also experience more frequent bouts of diarrhea.

Here are some of the other possible conditions that can cause diarrhea.

• Crohn disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Celiac disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Now that we know some of the potential causes of diarrhea in the elderly, let’s take a look at what you can do as a CDPAP caregiver to help your family when they’re experiencing GI issues.

Helping an Elderly Person with Diarrhea 

The first thing you should do is speak to your family member’s doctor and to see if you need a prescription or OTC medicines.

But here are some wellness tips to help replenish lost fluids and to help your loved one feel better when experiencing a bout of diarrhea.

Keep Them Well Hydrated

Keeping them hydrated with electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte is important. If they are unable to keep liquids down, you can use an IV drip for this purpose.

Monitor Blood Sugar

Monitor their blood sugar levels and call the doctor if it gets very low (hypoglycemia). Some diabetics who cannot hold food or liquid down may need a special diabetic drink instead of water after vomiting several times in one day.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid greasy, fatty foods. Limit dairy intake – it may make symptoms worse for some people.

Foods to Eat

• Bananas and applesauce can provide much-needed nutrients and electrolytes without upsetting the stomach too much (be sure there is no added sugar).
• Rice and rice cereal are bland and easy on an upset tummy; toast or crackers will also be okay if your loved one needs something simple that’s easier to keep down than solid food.

If you’re not sure what they’ll tolerate, offer several options as different things might stay down better with each person who has diarrhea

Clean the Rectal Area

It is vital that the rectal area is kept clean.

This can be done by wiping after each bowel movement with wet wipes or warm water and soap, and by washing the genital area to remove any feces that may have got stuck there.

Change undergarments as needed, and clean the surfaces where the fecal matter may have been present (such as toilet seats).

Leaving the rectal area unwashed may cause further health conditions through bacterial infections, so you must make sure to not skip this step as a caregiver.

You must know how to care for your elderly loved one if they experience diarrhea. But as they say, prevention is the best cure of all.

So, let’s take a look at a few tips on how you can help your loved one or caregiving client maintain optimal digestive health and avoid diarrhea.

How to Prevent Diarrhea

Here are a few tips to help prevent diarrhea in your elderly family member.

Avoid Certain Foods

As we mentioned before, When caring for an elderly person with diarrhea, you’ll want to avoid certain foods and drinks. These include:

• Fatty foods
• Foods with too much fiber
• Excessive spice
• Foods fried in processed oil
• Too much caffeine

Maintain a Sanitary Environment to Prevent Viruses/Bacteria

It is important to keep the environment as clean as possible so that your loved one does not pick up any viruses or bacteria from surfaces.

Wipe down counters and bathrooms after washing hands thoroughly, wipe all door knobs, and keep the house well ventilated.

As we explained before, viruses and bacteria are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the elderly, partly due to their weakened immune function that can’t fight off the pathogens.

By keeping the area spotlessly clean, you’ll be providing them additional protection against viruses and bacteria that thrive in unsanitary environments.

Adjust Medications/Supplements

Remember to check with your loved one’s doctor before giving them any medications or supplements that may cause diarrhea as a side effect.

If you notice that diarrhea is more frequent after starting a certain medication, be sure to mention it to the doctor to see if they switch the prescription.

Diarrhea is already an uncomfortable enough symptom without having to worry about it being caused by another medication!

The same goes for any supplements. Sometimes, supplements that might be healthy for someone else can create adverse reactions in others. So, be sure to consult your loved one’s doctor or nutritionist before starting a new supplement.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is not only important for treating diarrhea, but it can also help prevent it.

Dehydration can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body, which can be a contributing factor for diarrhea in the elderly.

Make sure your family member drinks plenty of fluids, especially ones with minerals and electrolytes to always stay adequately hydrated. This is especially important if they are having problems keeping food down.

Use over-the-counter electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte, Gatorade or Coconut Water to replace lost minerals and salts in their body that cause diarrhea; this will help keep them hydrated and prevent diarrhea.

Probiotics Supplements

Adding a daily probiotic can help promote optimal balance in the gut microbiome which not only improves digestion, but is also good for energy levels, mood, and several other quality of life factors.

Fiber Supplements

A fiber supplement can prevent diarrhea by supporting optimal gut health.

But it can be tricky to know the right dosage of fiber, because as we explained before, too much fiber on the other can be a cause of diarrhea.

Fiber binds to water in the gut and helps keep stool full of moisture, which slows it all down making for easier passage through your system. Studies show that fiber also acts as a prebiotic fermentable substrate which supports good bacteria growth needed to maintain optimal digestive function!

But make sure to consult with your loved one’s doctor before starting a fiber supplement to avoid any unintended digestive issues.

But sometimes prevention isn’t enough, and your family member can still end up with diarrhea. In the next section, we’ll discuss signs to look for to know when you should seek medical help.

When to Get Professional Help for Diarrhea

If diarrhea lasts for more than a couple of days, or it is not getting better with the treatments mentioned above, you should consider making an appointment with your doctor.

The longer it continues, the riskier it is to not treat the condition properly.

Untreated diarrhea can cause other complications like dehydration, or malabsorption of nutrients.

Even if there are no other symptoms and/or concerns about dehydration, take all necessary precautions and help your loved one get medical treatment.

Here are some of the signs to look for when trying to decide if you should get professional help.

If the Diarrhea is Severe

No diarrhea should be ignored, but if it is severe then you should seek medical attention immediately.

Severe diarrhea would be anything more than 2-3 loose bowel movements a day, ranging to the point where one can’t keep water down.

If it’s this serious, then there’s a real chance of dehydration, which can be dangerous.

Dehydration Caused by Diarrhea

If diarrhea is severe, or it is moderate but persists for more than a day or two, there’s a significant risk of dehydration.

Dehydration is a very serious matter for seniors and it can cause significant damage to their health.

So, it is absolutely vital that you seek medical attention if you suspect that there is a chance of dehydration because of diarrhea.

Diarrhea for More Than One Day

Because of the increased risk of dehydration, you should call your loved one’s doctor in any case if their diarrhea persists for more than a day.

Blood in the Diarrhea Stool

Blood in diarrhea does not always indicate something extremely serious like cancer.

It could be something far less concerning like hemorrhoids, or it could also indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among other conditions.

But it should definitely not be ignored, and you need to get it checked by a medical professional ASAP.

Diarrhea During or Following a Course of Antibiotics

As we explained before, diarrhea in the elderly is sometimes caused by medications like antibiotics.

If you notice increased bowel movements or watery stool after starting a course of antibiotics, be sure to seek medical attention to evaluate the situation.

Final Thoughts on Diarrhea in the Elderly

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many gastrointestinal disorders, and can be particularly problematic for seniors.

Seniors have weakened immunity, and often have a hard time fighting off bacterias and viruses that cause upset stomachs.

Consider taking steps to implement some of the prevention tips mentioned in the article like keeping your home clean with good hygiene practices or using natural probiotics to help prevent diarrhea before it starts!

If you’ve already found yourself dealing with an episode, try some of the treatment tips to help your loved one feel better.

And be sure to look out for the signs to see if you need to consult with your family member’s doctor to treat diarrhea.

Diarrhea in the elderly: treatment and causes

Varieties of diarrhea

Diarrhea is classified by course and pathogenesis. It is very important to understand what type of disease a person has in order to choose the right medicines in the future.

Downstream

Before the doctor prescribes a treatment regimen, it is necessary to determine the type of diarrhea. There are the following types of diarrhea according to the clinical course:

1. Acute diarrhea lasting no more than 4 weeks. It develops against the background of bacterial, viral and infectious diseases of the intestine. Often accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, nausea, which is typical for intestinal infections.

2. Chronic diarrhea that lasts more than 4 weeks. In this case, loose stools provoke pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. What disease caused diarrhea is established using diagnostics.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight the diarrhea of ​​travelers. The disease occurs in those who travel to regions and countries with an unusual climate. In time, diarrhea lasts no more than a week.

By pathogenesis

In older people, there are also 4 variants of diarrhea in pathogenesis:

1. Secretory. It develops when a large amount of liquid, mineral compounds (electrolytes) is released into the intestinal lumen. It is characterized by frequent liquid stools with a volume of more than 1000 ml per knock. The most common causes are viral and bacterial infections.

2. Osmotic. Excess fluid appears from the intestinal wall, more precisely, from its vessels. The volume is 500-1000 ml per day. It appears against the background of a number of diseases, for example, pancreatitis.

3. Exudative. It occurs due to the exudation of water, electrolytes and protein into the intestine through the damaged mucous membrane. The volume of loose stools is 200-500 ml per day. It develops with ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammation of the intestine of unknown etiology (Crohn’s disease), tumors of the colon and others.

4. Motor. With such diarrhea, the volume of liquid feces is no more than 200-300 ml per day. Occurs due to spastic contractions of the intestine.

Knowing the daily volume of liquid feces, you can determine the type of diarrhea, its causes.

Drug therapy

The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor after studying the results of diagnostic studies. Depending on the causes of diarrhea, a specialist may prescribe:

1. Enterosorbents. The drugs bind and remove various toxic substances, water and gases from the body. As a result, the stool is normalized.

2. Probiotics prebiotics. Medicines help in the fight against pathogenic microflora.

3. Enzymatic agents. Accelerate the breakdown of nutrients, improving the digestion process.

4. Antidiarrheal medicines. The action of drugs is aimed at regulating the mechanisms involved in the development of diarrhea.

As fluid losses are compensated, well-being improves, thirst disappears, urination is restored. In people, unpleasant symptoms disappear, the frequency of stool decreases, the risk of complications stops.

Proper nutrition in therapy

Treatment of older people with diarrhea, which is caused by poisoning, infection, and malfunction of internal organs, is impossible without proper nutrition.

Role of therapeutic diet

With diarrhea, table number 4 is shown. The treatment regimen is also prescribed for diseases of the digestive system, for example, for pathologies of the pancreas. The table is indicated for the treatment of both adults and children.

Diet involves limiting factors (food) that provoke mechanical and chemical irritation of the intestinal mucosa. Goals of therapeutic nutrition for diarrhea:

• relief of inflammation;

• decrease in the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestine;

• normalization of the digestive system.

Dietary nutrition in diseases of the intestines, as well as in the elderly with acute and chronic diarrhea, should help to inhibit peristalsis, reduce the release of fluid and electrolytes.

Proper nutrition should be followed for a long time. First, the diet is prescribed for a week with constant monitoring of an elderly patient. If it is well tolerated, the course is continued. During treatment, special attention is paid to elderly people with gastritis, a history of peptic ulcer.

Clinical nutrition rules

Nutrition in older people with diarrhea has a number of features. To normalize the stool, it is necessary not only to eat right, but also to follow certain dietary rules:

• food is boiled or steamed;

• fried, smoked, salted, pickled and other harmful foods are prohibited;

• too cold and hot dishes are excluded from the diet;

• it is desirable to use food in a semi-liquid, pureed form;

• you should eat often, every 3 hours;

• one serving should be no more than 150 g.

The menu should have a large amount of protein. Do not eat acidic foods. Under the ban and dishes that can increase gas formation in the intestines. These include products consisting of coarse fiber.

Prohibited and permitted products

During diarrhea in the elderly, exclude from the diet:

Foods and dishes that do not irritate the intestinal mucosa are allowed. It can be cereals on the water, vegetable soups (you can use low-fat broth), baked fruits, steamed fish. You can treat yourself to a steam omelette, low-fat cottage cheese. From drinks, weak tea with milk, non-acidic compotes, vegetable decoctions are allowed. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the products included in the diet.

Starvation of older people with diarrhea is contraindicated. You should focus on your own condition and appetite. Food should be light and easy to digest. You need to eat often, but little by little. Subject to all the rules, remission will come quickly. Therapeutic nutrition will help restore strength, normalize intestinal motility, relieve loose stools.

Stationary program “Geriatrics”

The “Geriatrics” screening program is recommended for patients aged 60 and over who want to get a comprehensive picture of their health status, the presence and degree of compensation for chronic age-related diseases, as well as risk factors for their development.

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Diarrhea in the elderly: causes and dangerous consequences of diarrhea for the elderly

Diarrhea is an extremely unpleasant disorder of the digestive system, which is accompanied by loose stools, intestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, often weakness and chills.

In middle-aged adults, diarrhoea is a painful but transient event – it usually resolves quickly and without complications. In older people, diarrhea becomes a serious problem that not only changes the quality of a person’s life, but can lead to fatal results.

A geriatrician, junior researcher at the laboratory of general geriatrics of the Russian Gerontological Research and Clinical Center spoke about the causes of intestinal disorders, its consequences, methods of treatment and prevention Andrey Dmitrievich Izyumov .

Why diarrhea in older people happens more often and is more severe

First of all, it should be remembered that the appearance of loose stools is not a separate disease, but a manifestation of pathologies that accumulate in the body with age. The causes of these pathologies may be different.

First, the activity of the digestive system decreases:

• the chewing apparatus is not able to grind food as thoroughly as at a young age;
• Enzymes involved in digestion are produced in smaller quantities.

Deterioration of blood supply and impaired innervation lead to atrophy of the mucous membrane and partial death of the suction villi, disturbances in peristalsis. More often this manifests itself in the form of constipation. Trying to resolve this issue on their own, patients can take stimulant laxatives uncontrollably, which leads to alternating periods of diarrhea / constipation.

Secondly, infectious and chronic pathologies manifest themselves through diarrhea:

• diseases of the pancreas,
• diseases of the gallbladder,
• Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammation of the intestine that affects all its layers,
• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the walls of the colon mucosa.

Unfortunately, chronic diseases increase with age, which increases the number of older people suffering from diarrhea.

In old age, there is a general weakening of the immune system, a decrease in the acidity of the stomach, the intestinal microflora changes, which makes the elderly more susceptible to infectious diseases (shigellosis, a combined group of infectious diseases, one of which is the well-known dysentery, rotavirus infections, amoebiasis). The risk of poisoning increases, which can also cause diarrhea.

Intestinal disorders can also be medicinal in nature as a result of uncontrolled use of antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea), side effects of certain drugs and the common use of stimulant laxatives in large doses

How serious are the consequences of loose stools for an elderly person in the body of an elderly person is less than in middle-aged people, so dehydration with diarrhea in age patients occurs much faster. Young people are more tolerant of fluid loss than older people. Even the loss of 1-2 liters can be critical for weakened patients. Together with water, the electrolytes necessary for conducting electrical impulses are washed out of the body. There is an electrolyte imbalance. As a result, the normal functioning of the heart and nervous system is disturbed,

Severe loose stools in combination with a decrease/complete refusal of food leads to the rapid development of malnutrition (malnutrition) and, as a result, severe weakness, cognitive decline, accelerates the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), which can lead to a violation in the future. gait, falls, fractures. Due to weakness, a person spends more time in bed, and this is the first reason for the development of bedsores! All this is especially dramatic in the elderly.

Is there an effective treatment for diarrhea in the elderly

In order to successfully treat diarrhea in the elderly, the doctor must first determine the cause of the diarrhea and prescribe therapy based on the causes of the disorder.

In the treatment of diarrhea, it is necessary to understand whether this is a single stool disorder or a long-term profuse disorder. In addition, you should pay attention to the so-called “red flags” – manifestations that indicate the presence of a serious threat to health and even human life:

1. The presence of impurities in the feces of an elderly person (the presence of blood, a specific color).
2. Presence of repeated vomiting that further aggravates dehydration.
3. Temperature increase.
4. Abdominal pain not relieved by no-shpa or other antispasmodics.

If one or more of these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted. The same should be done in the case when the violation of the chair is of a long-term nature and does not stop on its own. Experts say: if loose stools in an elderly person lasts more than two days, this is a reason to see a doctor. For such a period (even sooner), with massive diarrhea, especially with vomiting, fatal dehydration occurs in old people.

The first instance is a general practitioner who, after collecting an anamnesis, will send the patient to the appropriate specialist. For example, if it is pseudomembranous colitis, a disease caused by bacteria formed as a complication of antibiotic therapy, the patient will be referred to a gastroenterologist. If diarrhea is accompanied by fever, the patient will go to an infectious disease specialist, who will prescribe laboratory tests of feces and blood for the presence of infectious diseases.

In some cases, instrumental studies are needed. If the disease is not frequent and voluminous, but occurs in small portions, but the stool is softened, and blood is visible in the stool, the doctor may suspect the presence of Crohn’s disease. In this case, the patient undergoes a colonoscopy. This study will not only determine the pathology, but also eliminate the presence of tumors that bleed and cause disruption of the intestines.

Therapy starts in two directions at once.

1. Therapy of the underlying disease
• If the disease is of an infectious nature, the infection is removed (if it is a bacterial disease, for example, salmonellosis, specific antibiotic therapy may be used).
• In the so-called antibiotic-associated diarrhea caused by the use of antimicrobial agents, the treatment is to stop the use of drugs, relieve intoxication and restore the intestinal microflora.
• For Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, special drugs are used against these diseases.
• If the doctor detects an insufficient function of the pancreas (for example, against the background of chronic pancreatitis), then enzyme preparations are used for treatment.
2. Relief of disease symptoms
• An elderly person suffering from bowel problems needs to drink to eliminate the effects of dehydration. As much as possible.
• Dehydration is accompanied by loss of salts, so it is better to use special saline solutions containing salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium and other electrolytes. Such solutions are ready for breeding, sold in any pharmacy.
• Consumption of concentrated or freshly squeezed juices is strictly not recommended – their use can only aggravate diarrhea and dehydration
• You can offer the patient strong tea, a weak compote with a low sugar content: nothing bad will happen from a cup of broth with a non-common addition of sugar, but if the patient drinks a liter of juice, this will negatively affect the course of the disease.
• Sealants should be used with caution. With a mild form of the disease, for example, with the so-called “travelers’ diarrhea” caused by a change in the chemical composition of the water, unusual food or poisoning, drugs of the loperamide group can be used. If the diarrhea is of an infectious nature (this can be seen from the high temperature), the use of locking drugs is not recommended.
• The use of adsorbent, antidiarrheal agents such as “smecta” in the treatment of each case of diarrhea is controversial. Tests of these drugs have not shown their pronounced effectiveness. However, with diarrhea caused by a change in diet or poisoning, their use is advisable.

On the Internet you can find many recipes for herbal preparations for an adult that can stop diarrhea, however, herbal preparations for the treatment of elderly patients can only be used in a hopeless situation, for example, if the old person is in a village where there is neither a pharmacy nor a medical assistant’s station. In the usual case, herbal treatment is not recommended.

• Medical preparations contain specially selected components that act on a specific problem. In herbal preparations, the effects are much wider than those of the active substance in the tablet, which is not always beneficial for the health of older people.
• Older people are usually burdened with comorbidities, which means they use a large number of drugs. Complementary herbal remedies, especially mixtures and herbs, increase the risk of unwanted drug interactions.
• Any drug undergoes a series of clinical trials, during which its side effects are clarified. Herbal preparations have side effects that can unpredictably affect the weakened body of a pensioner, so traditional medicine is better than traditional medicine in this case.

Restoration of microbiota

Long-term diarrhea is dangerous not only due to dehydration and acid-base imbalance. Loose stools wash out the microbiota that lives on the inner walls of the intestine – a human symbiont that ensures the normal functioning of its departments. To restore the bacterial environment, two types of preparations are used:

• probiotics – contain bacteria identical to those that colonize the intestines,
• prebiotics – contain substances that create an environment conducive to the reproduction of beneficial microbionts.

There is a wide range of these drugs on the market, but not all drugs have shown a reliable effect in studies – replacing one strain with another, even a closely related one, does not guarantee normal bowel function. Different types of microorganisms, even in the same environment, act differently. So for now, the use of punches and gains is a matter of trust rather than a clear clinical recommendation.

In acute diarrhea, especially after antimicrobial agents, the addition of probiotics and prebiotics will have a beneficial effect on the restoration of microflora, but they should not be recommended to elderly patients as drugs with one hundred percent proven effectiveness. This requires additional testing.

What diet should an elderly person follow at this time

There is a common myth that an elderly patient should fast during diarrhea. Doing this is strongly discouraged. Long periods of fasting will increase dehydration and lead to protein malnutrition. In addition, there is a danger of weight loss, which is then extremely difficult to restore. Even a day of fasting will bring harm to an old person, therefore, during severe diarrhea, the patient needs to eat.

A specific diet will be prescribed if a specific disease is identified that provoked diarrhea. With general symptoms, there are no clear prohibitions. You can consume almost any thermally processed food that does not lead to fermentation or the formation of gases. It is not recommended to give spicy, salty and fatty foods, this will lead to increased peristalsis and spur diarrhea.

Food must be gently cooked. It can be a steam cutlet, boiled potatoes, low-fat chicken broth – foods that will not irritate the stomach. It is advisable to consume them in small portions.

Prevention of diarrhea

Ways to prevent diarrhea, if it is not due to another disease, are simple:

1. Hygiene

The most natural advice is to keep clean and wash your hands. According to statistics, hand washing reduces the incidence of bowel disorders by a third. It is equally important to wash fruits and vegetables. It is believed that the transition in the twentieth century to the norms of modern hygiene was one of the factors in increasing the life span of mankind. Do not use expired products, as well as questionable preparation. This is especially important for the elderly, who, due to memory problems, may be less critical in assessing the quality of products.

2. Medical examination

In old age, you should especially carefully monitor your health. Most diseases do not develop suddenly, many of them can be detected in the rudiment.