Q My mother in her 70s can't last even a week without laxatives. Can she improve even at her age?
A Bowel motility can revive even at an advanced age. However, recovery progresses more slowly than in younger people, and it usually takes 2–3 months of consistent treatment to reach the stage of reducing laxatives.
Detailed Answer
In the elderly, constipation occurs easily as bowel muscle strength and rectal sensation decline. Reduced activity, insufficient water intake, and medications being taken (blood pressure drugs, nervous system drugs, etc.) often have a combined effect. Fortunately, elderly people too can recover bowel motility with consistent treatment, reaching the point of reducing laxative dependence.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine treatment focuses on raising the weakened bowel and the depleted abdominal energy. For the elderly, gentle and safe prescriptions matter more than strong stimulation, and at Dongjedang we look at the medications being taken and overall health together to proceed within a safe range.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I'm a test-prep student, and whenever I get exam stress, I get constipated for a week at a time. Will it all get better once exams are over? Is there any point in getting treatment now?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Constipation has caused anal pain and even hemorrhoids, and my belly is always bloated and swollen. Will these get better together too?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Every morning I sit on the toilet and have to strain for 30 minutes just to barely go. What should I do in the bathroom?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I work an office desk job all day, can't exercise, and my constipation is bad. Is there anything I can do at the office?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I'm one month postpartum and my constipation is very bad. I'm breastfeeding—is herbal medicine safe for the baby?
#Safety