Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Panic Due To Constipation In A 93-year-old Elderly Woman
Posted on
Fri, 4 Dec 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 4 Dec 2015
Answered on
Fri, 12 Apr 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : 93 yr old Can't get a bowel movement out. She is panicked, what should she do?
Brief Answer:
Saline+soap enema, can try ready-made enema till then.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted your history of a 93 years old female, who can not get bowel movement, is panicked and taken Fenna/senna one pill every day.
This happens when there is fecolith formation and hence difficulty in getting them out.This as aided by the slowed bowel due to age, taking less of fibers, diet and water.
Fenna/Senna works by irritating the intestines and not a good choice in old age.
You should try Stool softeners like and bulk laxatives like Cremaffin plus (Liquid Paraffin, Milk of Magnesia andSodium picosulphate) and Isabgol husk.
The problem at the moment is unable to get the bowel movement out.
I would advise in such a situation the following:
You need to take enema.
Preferably saline and soap enema.
If possible X-ray of the abdomen to see the condition of the colon load of fecoliths.
You can try the ready-made enema available at pharmacy first.
I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Saline+soap enema, can try ready-made enema till then.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted your history of a 93 years old female, who can not get bowel movement, is panicked and taken Fenna/senna one pill every day.
This happens when there is fecolith formation and hence difficulty in getting them out.This as aided by the slowed bowel due to age, taking less of fibers, diet and water.
Fenna/Senna works by irritating the intestines and not a good choice in old age.
You should try Stool softeners like and bulk laxatives like Cremaffin plus (Liquid Paraffin, Milk of Magnesia andSodium picosulphate) and Isabgol husk.
The problem at the moment is unable to get the bowel movement out.
I would advise in such a situation the following:
You need to take enema.
Preferably saline and soap enema.
If possible X-ray of the abdomen to see the condition of the colon load of fecoliths.
You can try the ready-made enema available at pharmacy first.
I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
