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How do seniors clean after a bowel movement?
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Seniors often suffer from constipation because of age related issues such as lack of exercise, dehydration, poor diet, medication side effects, etc. Constipation causes hard stools which block the intestines causing pain and discomfort. Seniors should drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. They should eat fiber rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds to keep them regular.
It is important to have frequent bathroom breaks during the day. When you sit down to defecate, you should stand up immediately afterwards. This helps avoid straining while sitting and prevents back problems later in life.
If you don’t want to strain yourself, you can also take laxatives. These medications help soften stool and ease constipation. Laxatives come in different forms including tablets, liquids, suppositories, enemas, and colonics. Your doctor may prescribe one type of laxative instead of others.
You should not use laxatives without consulting your physician first. Some types of laxatives cause serious health conditions such as kidney stones, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea. Always read the label carefully before taking any medication.
Constipation is common among older adults. It’s usually caused by a combination of factors including decreased mobility, less physical activity, and changes in dietary habits.
The Bowel Movement Cleanup Process
Bowel movements happen when we eat. They’re messy, inconvenient, and sometimes embarrassing. But there’s no need to let them go untreated. After eating, our bodies produce waste matter called stool (or feces). This waste needs to be removed because it contains bacteria that may cause illness.
To remove this waste, we use the toilet. However, most people find using the bathroom uncomfortable and unpleasant. So instead, many people try to avoid going at all costs.
But avoiding the bathroom doesn’t work. The result is constipation. Constipation causes discomfort, pain, bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. And it can lead to serious health problems, including colon cancer.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these issues and keep your bowels moving smoothly. One of those methods is to practice regular bowel cleansing.
What is bowel cleansing? Bowel cleansing involves removing fecal material from the body through the rectum. There are two types of bowel cleansers: enemas and suppositories. Enemas involve inserting a tube down the anus and injecting water into the intestines. Suppositories contain medicine that dissolve in the intestine.
Both methods are effective at cleaning out the digestive tract. However, some people prefer enemas over suppositories because they feel more comfortable having a tube inserted into their rectum.
There are several different brands of enema kits available online. Some include laxatives, others just water. Laxatives help move the stool along the intestinal tract. Water alone does not.
If you decide to purchase an enema kit, make sure you select one that includes laxatives. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tell whether the product worked.
After selecting a brand of enema kit, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the procedure. First, empty your bladder. Then, place a towel underneath your buttocks. Next, put on underwear that covers your genitals. Finally, insert the enema kit into your rectum.
Once inside, hold the nozzle firmly against your bottom for 10 minutes. During this time, the liquid should flow into your intestines. Once finished, flush your system with warm water.
Enemas aren’t suitable for everyone. People who have difficulty controlling their bowels or who have had surgery near the rectum should consult their doctor before trying enemas.
Suppositories are another option for bowel cleansing. These come in pill form and are usually used once per day. To use a suppository, simply swallow it whole. Don’t chew or crush it.
Why You Should Be Doing This
When you’re older, your body doesn’t work quite the same way it used to. Your digestive system slows down, and you may need to take extra care when cleaning yourself.
Here are some tips to help you keep things clean:
• Use warm water. Cold water makes it harder to remove waste. Warm water helps loosen stool and wash away bacteria.
• Wash your hands often. Germs spread easily through touch, so washing your hands regularly reduces the risk of getting sick.
• Keep your bathroom clean. Clean bathrooms prevent germs from spreading.
• Don’t share towels. Sharing towels increases the risk of infection because dirty towels transfer bacteria between users.
• Change your underwear frequently. Dirty underwear can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Take probiotics. Probiotic supplements help restore healthy gut flora. They reduce the risk of UTIs and constipation.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration leads to diarrhea, which causes you to lose fluid and wastes valuable nutrients.
• Eat fiber. Fiber keeps your bowels moving smoothly and prevents constipation.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol dehydrates you and caffeine stimulates your nervous system, making it hard to go to the bathroom.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise boosts your immune system and improves digestion.
What To Do After A Bowel Movement
After a bowel movement, seniors need to wash their hands thoroughly and change their underwear. They should avoid touching their eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals until they’ve cleaned themselves properly.
They should also keep track of when they last had a bowel movement and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
If they’re feeling weak, dizzy, or nauseous, they should seek medical help right away.
Finally
Seniors should always keep their bowels moving by doing regular exercises like walking around the house, going up and down stairs, etc. They also need to know what to do when they have a bowel movement so they don’t end up with fecal matter stuck inside them.