As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience some type of gastroin- testinal distress — symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. There are many reasons these symptoms may occur, from simply eating a food that disagrees with us to a much more serious issue, such as colorectal cancer. Medications may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Your healthcare provider and pharmacist can recommend lifestyle changes or over-the-counter treatment for bloating, constipation and diarrhea. But if these symptoms last longer than a day or two, it’s important to have your healthcare provider check them out.
When these symptoms occur without another diagnosis, they are re- ferred to as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of adults in the United States and is more common in women and in people under the age of 45. While there is no cure for IBS, making changes to your diet such as eat- ing smaller meals and ingesting more fiber — or taking fiber supplements — can help. Some people may need laxatives or antibiotics. Your provider can help you determine the best approach based upon your symptoms, once more serious conditions are ruled out.
Serious conditions that can cause IBS-like symptoms as we age include diverticulitis, colorectal cancer as mentioned above, and peptic ulcers.
Diverticulitis
This condition — more common in older adults — occurs when pouches in the walls of the colon become inflamed or infected. Diverticulitis, which can be very painful, is characterized by pain in the left side, diarrhea or constipation, fever and chills, bloating, nausea and sometimes vomiting. The causes are unknown, but may be related to not having enough fiber in your diet. Taking in more fiber, using probiotics and taking antibiotics may be prescribed as treatment. Your provider may also recommend a clear liquid diet during flare-ups to allow the colon to heal until your condition
