When an older adult has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can make them very uncomfortable. It impacts their quality of life and can lead to anxiety and depression. If your elderly family member is experiencing abdominal and digestive issues, it’s possible they have IBS. With April being IBS Awareness Month, now is a good time to learn about the conditions and its signs and symptoms.
What is IBS?
IBS is a condition that affects the digestive system, specifically the large intestine. It is a chronic condition, meaning that people who have it should expect to need to manage the symptoms for a long time.
Doctors don’t know what causes some people to develop IBS. However, they have identified some things that probably play a role, including:
- Intestinal Muscle Contractions: Moving food through the intestines requires a series of muscle contractions. If the contractions are too hard or last longer than they should, they cause diarrhea and bloating. If they are too weak, food moves too slowly, causing stool to be dry and hard.
- Nervous System: Problems with the nerves can make the older adult feel more pain from gas or bloating than others do. Or, if the signals between the brain and intestines get confused, the intestines might overreact to normal aspects of the digestive process.
- Inflammation: People with IBS may have more immune system cells in their intestines, causing a greater response to pain and diarrhea.
- Infection: IBS may start after the senior has had a severe bacterial or viral infection that causes diarrhea or when they have too much bacteria in their intestines.
Changes in Microflora: The intestines contain beneficial bacteria called microflora. People with IBS may have microflora that differs from the microflora in a healthy intestine.
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
If you suspect your aging relative may have IBS, watch for these signs and symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen caused by cramping and bloating. The pain usually gets better after using the bathroom.
- Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete.
- Gas.
- Stool that contains mucus.
- Diarrhea and/or constipation.
If your aging relative has these symptoms or has a change in bowel habits, they should be reported to the doctor. There are treatments and lifestyle changes that can manage symptoms.
Senior care can assist older adults to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in people with IBS. A senior care provider can prepare meals and snacks that don’t include foods that can trigger IBS symptoms. They can also make certain the older adult eats on schedule, which can help regulate the intestines. Another way senior care providers can assist seniors with IBS is to help them reduce their stress levels because stress can trigger the symptoms. Knowing a senior care provider will be there to help them can make your loved one feel more comfortable and worry less.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Columbus, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
