Changes of Digestive System in Older Person PDF

Changes of Digestive System in Older Person The number of secretory cells in the pancreas decreases Learning Objectives with age. This results in a decrease in the level of fat  Overview of the digestive system...

Changes of Digestive System in Older Person The number of secretory cells in the pancreas decreases Learning Objectives with age. This results in a decrease in the level of fat  Overview of the digestive system digestion  Function of the digestive system and its components  Common digestive system in older person and it’s Liver management Liver reduces in size with age it does not show any significant reduction in the ability to perform its various DIGESTIVE SYSTEM functions in healthy elderly people The GIT is composed of the:  Mouth Common Digestive Problem in Older Person  Esophagus Constipation change in bowel habits.  Stomach Symptoms include difficult or painful bowel movements,  Small intestine infrequent bowel movements, and hard, dry stool. There are  Liver number of age-related factors that can cause constipation in  Gall bladder older adults.  Pancreas Management: Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated,  Large intestine regular physical activity, and, in some cases, the use of laxatives under a doctor's supervision. Its main functions include:  Metabolizes carbohydrates, fats & proteins Medication use-As age, we start to have more health  Stores iron & vitamin ADEK & B12 problems that require medications. Some medications can  Detoxify chemicals cause constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal side  Promoting bone production when the bone marrow effects. production is insufficient Example: Calcium channel blockers, used for high blood pressure cause constipation. Age Related Changes to the Digestive System Narcotic pain relievers- slow the gut.“ Mouth Loss of teeth caused by a combination of bone loss from the Inactivity-being inactive as we age can make you jaw, which occurs with age, and gum disease. Both result in constipated a loosening of teeth. While lost teeth can be replaced with dentures these are not equivalent to natural teeth. Not drinking enough fluids. Staying hydrated helps prevent Dentures constipation at any age can make it difficult to chew comfortably. This can result in a change of eating habits and long-term deficits in nutrition. Diuretics lower blood pressure by causing to lose Decreased level of saliva production thicker mucus excess fluid by urinating more often. production, and a diminished sense of taste. Diverticular Disease occurs when small pouches in the lining Esophagus of the colon bulge out along weak spots in the intestinal  Many other people experience difficultly in wall. swallowing. Most often this is a result from incomplete Symptoms: gas pain, bloating, cramps, and constipation. If relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter- the pockets become inflamed, it's called diverticulitis, which  The lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents can cause abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, and vomiting. can weaken over time, increasing the risk of acid reflux Treatment: Antibiotics, pain medications, and a high fiber and heartburn. diet treat diverticulitis. Management: High-fiber diet for diverticulosis, antibiotics, Stomach or surgery for severe diverticulitis. The mucus membrane of the stomach thins with age resulting in lower levels of mucus, hydrochloric acid, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) While IBS can affect people digestive enzymes. This reduces the digestion of proteins of all ages, it may become more problematic or be and may result in chronic atrophic gastritis. exacerbated in older individuals. IBS can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Management: Diet modifications low (FODMAP) Small Intestine Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Walls of the small intestines- atrophy -this alters the shape Monosaccharides, And Polyols, stress management, and of the villi and reduces the surface area across which medications. absorption occurs. Along with the atrophy these is a decrease in the production of digestive enzymes-it harder to Ulcers &NSAIDs older adults use nonsteroidal anti- break down and absorb nutrients from food. inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain from arthritis and other types of chronic pain cause stomach bleeding- Large intestine such as vomiting blood, passing dark stools, or noticing The walls of the large intestines atrophy with age. The blood when you wipe-tell your doctor right away. thinning of the walls results in out pockets from the wall, a condition known as diverticulosis Problems with the mouth and esophagus colon, the esophagus can also slow down with age, moving food Pancreas through more slowly - cause problems swallowing food or fluids. Dementia, stroke, and conditions such as Parkinson's disease can also cause difficulty swallowing. Hydration Drink enough so that you don't feel thirsty. If you are taking Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most diuretics, talk with your doctor about ways to manage taking common upper GI disorder in older adults, although people your medication so that you don't become dehydrated. of all ages can get it. GERD occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other Lifestyle Modifications symptoms Discuss and address lifestyle factors that can impact digestive health, such as smoking cessation and stress Eating late at night and eating the wrong types of foods, management. Smoking can worsen conditions like peptic such as fast food and fried foods, can all cause reflux. ulcers, and stress can exacerbate many digestive issues. Certain medications, including some blood pressure medications- can cause heartburn. Obesity increases your Manage your weight risk for heartburn and GERD, so if you gain weight as you get Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent many age- older, you could have more reflux. related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and GERD or fatty liver disease. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids, swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus, can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding Medication: use medications with care.. If you use NSAIDs during bowel movements. for pain, work with the doctor to find the lowest effective Management: Increased fiber and fluid intake and, in some dose and be sure to take them with food. Also check with cases, surgical intervention. your doctor to make sure you are taking only the medications you need. Diagnostic exam Colonoscopy used to detect colorectal polyps, cancer, and Get regular health screenings Be sure to tell your doctor other abnormalities. about any troublesome symptoms and ask about regular Blood tests measure liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and screenings. other markers of liver health. Used to screen for liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): Recommended for individuals with symptoms like chronic heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or upper abdominal pain. Ultrasound or MRI used to assess the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Can help diagnose conditions like gallstones, liver disease, or pancreatic disorders. Imaging Tests X-rays: Can be used to visualize the digestive tract after ingesting a contrast material (barium swallow or barium enema) to highlight abnormalities. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross- sectional images of the abdominal organs and can help diagnose conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or tumors. Management Physical Activity Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days week can help prevent many age-related health problems. It will also help keep you regular and decrease the risk for colon cancer. It can promote gastrointestinal motility and overall digestive health. Medication Management: Prescribe and manage medications as necessary to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying condition. Medications may include antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), laxatives, antibiotics, or medications to manage specific gastrointestinal conditions. Dietary Modifications For GERD or acid reflux, recommend avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding lying down after eating. For constipation suggest increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and considering stool softeners or fiber supplements. For diverticulosis or diverticulitis recommend a high-fiber diet and avoidance of certain foods (e.g., nuts and seeds).