Candles for constipation for the elderly: what drugs to choose
Against the backdrop of age-related changes, there are often abnormalities in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Constipation becomes a problem in 60% of people after 60 years and in 80% after 70. At the initial stage, candles for constipation for the elderly are prescribed as an additional measure to the basic treatment. Before the doctor makes a decision about the scheme of elimination of the problem, he must take into account many factors. Treatment of constipation in the elderly is a responsible matter, since a person may have concomitant diseases.
The normal frequency of the stool is 3 times a day up to 3 times a week. But if a person does not fit into this framework, you can talk about violations of the digestive system. Candles produce a laxative effect, even in chronic stages. But it's worth taking a look at some details about their application. After all, with prolonged use of a candle can lead to irritation of the rectum, the development of allergies or weakening of the natural process of emptying.
Types and Features of Constipation Candles for the Elderly
Often, people in old age have problems with stools, but they do not always pay attention to it if the situation does not repeat more than once. But when this becomes a permanent phenomenon, drug treatment can not be avoided. To help come candles to treat constipation in the elderly - their choice is quite wide compared with the range for children and pregnant women. They are appointed even in the case when a person has a tendency to hemorrhoids, anal fissures.
There are several types of candles.
Gas generators
They affect the formation of gases in the intestines, thereby improving the progress of stool. The composition includes active components such as sodium bicarbonate, citric acid. The latter breaks down into carbon dioxide and water as soon as it enters the human body.
The gas that forms, stretches the wall of the rectum, irritates the nerve endings and stimulates the intestinal peristalsis. Due to this, the emptying process is faster.
The need for such a drug per day should not exceed one candle. It is advisable to use it after breakfast. If the composition is rhubarb, then after a meal should pass 45-50 minutes. The laxative effect is achieved very quickly, and the therapeutic effect persists for a long time.
Glycerin
Used to treat constipation with a different etiology. They have irritating effect on the rectum and stimulate peristalsis. Glycerin softens the feces and makes it move faster.
The drug should be used no later than 20 minutes after breakfast, no more than 1 time per day. After the restoration of peristalsis, you should stop taking laxative suppositories.
Annoying
Used when constipation is caused by hypotension or impaired peristalsis. Provoke irritation of the intestinal receptors, soften the stool and stimulate the formation of mucus in the large intestine. It is applied no more often than twice a day. They are not intended for permanent use and for the treatment of chronic constipation.
Prolonged use of laxatives may be addictive. Because of the constant irritation of the receptors, sensitivity decreases. The maximum duration of candles is 2 weeks. Sometimes a doctor changes the type of drug. In some cases it is necessary to use a more expensive drug so that there are no side effects. But the main thing is not the price, but the elimination of the problem of constipation.
Overview of the most popular drugs
Candles are prescribed when constipation is caused by functional disorders. Usually, they result in a decrease in receptor sensitivity due to frequent suppression of urge to defecate, impaired innervation in the rectum due to malfunctions of the nervous system, decreased tone of the muscles of the pelvic floor.
It is worthwhile to dwell on the candles listed above in order not to miss important moments, because they all have their contra-indications, side effects, some nuances in the application of :
- Calcium and Ferrolax from gas-forming agents are effective candles for treating constipation in the elderly. They are put 1 time per day after eating. Contraindications are so small that they are prescribed even for children and pregnant women. Side effects are also not seen, except for a slight discomfort in the anus. Evacue is another means that relates to gas-forming. These candles have a triple action due to the interaction of components - carbonic acid, carbon dioxide and water are released. After 5-10 minutes after the application, the effect is visible. Among contraindications only individual tolerance. Even anal fissures and hemorrhoids - not a hindrance to the use of these candles.
- Glycerin suppositories( Glyselax, Glycerin) is a safe remedy for constipation. Among the contraindications - hemorrhoids during an exacerbation, bowel disease with inflammatory etiology, bleeding anal fissures. Candles begin to function within a day after application. It is enough to use once in the morning. When hemorrhoids have a healing effect. Sometimes after taking pain, irritation, burning. The advantage of these candles is their affordability.
- Irritant - Bisacodyl, Dulcolax, Laxbene. Among the contraindications - neoplasm in the gut, recurrence of hemorrhoids and proctitis. Side effects - diarrhea, intestinal colic, muscle weakness, sudden changes in arterial pressure, severe gas formation, abdominal pain, allergies, convulsions, irritation in the anus. Already for 15-20 minutes will be noticeable effect. Often they are used to cleanse the intestine before surgery, radiology.
- Relief - provides a comprehensive action. This tool will help with hemorrhoids and constipation. It contains a unique component - oil, produced from the liver of a shark. Among the contraindications, as with the rest - increased sensitivity to the components, thromboembolism. Rectal suppositories are administered 4 times a day, but only after hygiene procedures. Allergy is rare. Sea buckthorn candles.
- . You can not call them the most effective means, but they are absolutely safe to use due to their natural composition. Sea-buckthorn oil has a restoring effect on the tissues, strengthening - on the mucous membranes, are also good for their bactericidal effect. After administration, an allergy or mild discomfort is possible. There are practically no contraindications, only individual intolerance. It is also used once a day, after the first meal.
- Suppositories with papaverine is a safe and affordable remedy for constipation. It has been known for more than a century, so all its pros and cons have been well studied. But it is as a laxative that it is prescribed less often than others. Papaverinovye candles, getting into the rectum, dissolve, and the active substances quickly penetrate into the walls and blood flow. This facilitates emptying. Such candles are not used more than 3 times a day. If this number is exceeded, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Candles with papaverine are contraindicated in people with glaucoma, liver failure and hypersensitivity to the components.
How effective are candles?
With regard to the use of this tool in the elderly, it is he who is given priority among all others. The fact is that the pills cause a number of side effects, which is not desirable at an advanced age. Conducting an enema is always a difficult and unpleasant process, often for the elderly no one cares, and there is no help waiting. That is why suppositories are so often prescribed by doctors - any person can independently apply them by reading the instructions.
It is important to remember that candles with constipation in the elderly are not a method of treatment, but only first aid for eliminating an unpleasant condition. You can not constantly cause defecation, using suppositories.
To enhance the effect of drugs and not to harm your body, you must follow certain rules of :
- Immediately after the first urge to defecate, you need to visit the toilet. If you endure, you can only make it worse
- If the candle is too soft, it should be put in the refrigerator for half an hour or placed in cold water. When stored in the heat it can not be used.
- During the introduction of candles, you should lie on your left side, with your legs bent under your legs, bent at the knees. Then you need to squeeze the buttocks and lie down for 20 minutes. This is the optimal time for the effect to be felt. It happens that it comes faster, but it's important to follow the instructions.
- It is important to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. The norm for a person prone to constipation is 2 liters per day.
- The use of various additives like fiber and bran will help to avoid constipation.
- Increased physical activity is necessary in order to activate the work of the intestine. There is even a series of special exercises aimed at solving this problem.
- Many laxatives are not combined with alcohol and cigarettes, so you should give up bad habits.
- The doctor should show how to do self-massage of the abdomen. Pleasant strokes clockwise have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.
Do not get carried away with laxatives, otherwise the body will stop coping with the problem on its own, and constipation becomes chronic. Do not combine several drugs at once, as this can lead to a powerful diarrhea and increase the risk of side effects. Because of this, along with the feces, useful salts will be removed from the body. The result of such an impact is a worsening of the state as a whole.
It is important to remember that in case of joining to constipation some more symptoms - blood in the feces, weakness, fatigue, a sharp decrease in weight, abdominal pain, strong gas formation - you need to undergo examination. And you can not hesitate, because all these unpleasant sensations can be a sign of a malignant neoplasm. In no case should not be allowed self.
If the body gives such signals during the use of candles, like burning and severe itching, it is worthwhile to tell the doctor about it. He must replace the drug with another, figuring out which of the components caused the patient such intolerance.
In the event that the candles help only for a while, and the constipation returns, it is necessary to revise your diet. In order for the digestive system to work like a clock, you need to add plums, apricots, cabbage, beets to the food. Daily use of fermented milk products and bran is mandatory. The doctor can give other important recommendations to the elderly person so that the constipation ceases to disturb, and the digestive tract regains its work.
Author: Irina Levchenko, doctor,
specially for Moizhivot.ru
