Bowel C are Bowel elimination is a basic physical process wherein waste products from the gastro-intestinal tract are normally excreted through the rectum. People who have required surgical removal of portions of the intestine are given a colostomy, which enables fecal material to pass through an opening in the abdomen. Common Bowel Problems Constipation is a condition in which too much water is absorbed from the large intestine back into the bloodstream, leaving the feces dry, hard and difficult to expel. It is caused by a lack of fiber in the diet (Fiber holds water, preventing the feces becoming too hard.) Fecal Impaction is an accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon, which the person cannot move. Diarrhea is a condition characterized by watery stool or increased frequency (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It may last a few days and disappear on its own. Incontinence is the inability of the body to control urination or bowel movements or both. Flatulence is the presence of excessive gas in the bowel. There are various reasons why bowel movements (defecation) may be affected: F actor Diet Fluid Intake Personal Habits Activity Medications Aging Process Disability Lack of Privacy
Reason High fiber foods and a balanced diet are needed for maintaining regular bowel habits. Often, seniors do not get enough fruits and vegetables. Also, they tend to avoid certain foods if they have problems with their teeth/dentures. The bowels depend on an adequate intake of liquids to work effectively. Otherwise, constipation sets in. Between 6-8 glasses of fluid should be taken daily. Relaxation enhances defecation. Achieving the required state of relaxation may be achieved by eating, walking, reading or having a hot drink. Exercise and movement maintain muscle tone and stimulate the bowels. A frequent side effect of conditions which make a person inactive (e.g. disease, surgery, injury, etc.) can render a person to become inactive. Many medications list constipation or diarrhea as side effects, which make maintaining regular and good bowel habits a challenge. As one ages, illness and slowing down occur . They, in turn, affect bowel control. Also, older people do no always empty their rectum so they may need to go again, shortly after their first bowel movement. People who are quadriplegic or paraplegic do not have voluntary control of their bowel movements. It is beneficial to help them develop regular bowel habits to prevent or lessen impaction, constipation and incontinence. It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty defecating or voiding, if others are around. This is usually easily remedied, by providing privacy.
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