Older people should create a symptom journal for digestive problems

Record complaints: In case of digestive problems in the age lead symptom diary
For almost every person, there are occasional symptoms such as stomach pressure or heartburn. For seniors, however, digestive problems are much more common. They often become a constant companion and limit the well-being. To find the cause of the condition, it can help to track the symptoms.

Unfamiliar indigestion in old age
Abdominal pain, flatulence, feeling of fullness: Almost everyone suffers from indigestion from time to time. Right now, around the holidays, the stomach is often overly irritated by too much fat, sugar and alcohol. In old age, it is often worse, then for many people for them quite unusual digestive problems. If this is the case, symptoms should best be recorded.

In old age, digestive problems such as flatulence or heartburn are often a constant companion and limit the well-being. Experts advise to record the complaints to find the cause. (Image: Monkey Business / fotolia.com)

Body produces less saliva and stomach acid
With age, more and more health problems occur, including gastrointestinal complaints. This also has to do with the fact that seniors do not chew the food sufficiently due to chewing and swallowing problems before it ends up in the stomach.

In addition, the body produces less saliva and stomach acid in old age and the muscles of the stomach and intestine loses strength. The protective function of the gastric mucosa decreases.

Relaxing muscles in the colon
"As a result, the food is no longer so well crushed and remains longer in the stomach and intestine, where they irritate the sensitive stomach nerves and beyond, for example, can cause heartburn, stomach ache or bloating," writes the German Senior League in a statement.

Due to the loosening muscles in the large intestine it can also come to blockages. In addition, in many older people, medication or emotional stress put additional stress on the stomach.

If symptoms occur, keep a symptom diary
The senior league advises to consult a doctor if such symptoms occur more frequently. It would be ideal if those affected previously had a so-called symptom diary, which can give the physician indications of organic or functional disorders.

If there are no serious illnesses behind the indigestion, simple home remedies can help in many cases. For example, spices such as cumin, fennel and ginger are tried-and-tested home remedies for stomach pain and flatulence.

To stimulate the digestion, it is recommended to go for a walk. Even teas and a hot water bottle can help. And a soothing stomach massage can reduce many digestive problems. (Ad)