La sindrome del colon irritabile nell'anziano

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is recorded in 3% of the elderly, with a greater prevalence in patients who live alone and who have a high value in the GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale). The most important features in the elderly are: meteorism, abdominal distension, alteration in bowel habits, often with diarrhea; abdominal pain is rare. In the elderly the predictive value of the diagnostic criteria usually used in young people is reduced. Therefore, invasive diagnostic tests (barim enema and/or colonscopy), should be performed to exclude an organic pathology. The treatment is similar in adults and elderly. Great consideration should be given to the polypathology and polypharmacology with characteristic therapy.