Constipation and diarrhoea are common complaints in older people, and many people become gradually more constipated with age. Lack of symptoms is typical of the disease in the elderly. If we are unable to properly evaluate abnormal manifestation and atypical connection and to assign them to the right diagnosis, the consequences can be serious. Constipation is a common complaint in older people, and many people become gradually more constipated with age. Prevention and change in dietary habits are important. Adding fibre and sufficient hydration are helpful. Only then we can use laxatives, especially osmotic or bulk-forming ones. Diarrhoea is a common problem in elderly persons. Worldwide, diarrhoea is the second leading cause of mortality. In the developed world, 85 % of its mortality affects the elderly. The main causes of diarrhoea include drugs, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, microscopic colitis, diverticulitis, and mesenteric ischaemia. Very important is diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile as a result of antibiotic treatment. Rehydration must be maintained to prevent hypotension and organ failure in the often multimorbid patient. False diarrhoea develops in case of faecal impaction and is connected with the development of faecaloma. It is particularly concentrated in the institutionalised or impaired elderly. The clinical consequences may be disabling and occasionally life-threatening.

Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and Faculty Hospital Brno

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