As with any discomfort, abdominal pain can be troubling for seniors, especially when they are unaware of what is causing it. The pain might result from mere constipation or something more serious, like pancreatitis. The following are nine causes of abdominal pain in the elderly.
Key Takeaways:
Abdominal pain in seniors can range from mild to severe and is often difficult to diagnose due to complex symptoms. Causes include conditions like appendicitis, hernia, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, biliary disease, bowel obstruction, peptic ulcers, constipation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Regular medical care is crucial, and immediate attention is needed for severe or persistent pain. Proper diet and healthcare support can help manage and prevent some causes of abdominal pain in the elderly.
Lower Abdominal Pain in Seniors
Abdominal pain is a chief complaint among the older population. When the elderly individual arrives at the emergency room, their complex symptoms are difficult to accurately diagnose. In comparison to other diseases, abdominal pain is also challenging for physicians to manage.
The potential seriousness of geriatric abdominal pain cannot be underestimated. About 7.5 million older adults visit the emergency room per year due to complaints of abdominal pain. They are four times more likely to have emergency surgery or be admitted to the intensive care unit.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is described differently. Some seniors define it as a sharp, dull, or stabbing pain. It can also feel cramp-like or twisting. The pain may be brief, constant, or come and go. Abdominal pain can be minor or severe enough to warrant urgent surgery.
Why are older adults more prone to abdominal pain?
Aging naturally comes with negative health repercussions, like lower immunity. When seniors’ immune systems no longer function as robustly as during their younger years, they are at a higher risk for developing stomach infections and inflammation. Acid reflux and digestive maladies can also arise with an aging GI (glycemic index).
What causes lower abdominal pain in seniors?
1. Appendicitis
Appendicitis in the elderly is difficult to diagnose in patients of all ages, but particularly in seniors. Pain is usually felt in the lower right quadrant. Constipation, as well as fever, accompanies the condition. Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal surgery in the elderly.
2. Hernia
Muscle weakens due to age, thereby increasing the chances of older adults experiencing a hernia. This condition results when an organ juts through muscle and pushes against the skin. Symptoms of a hernia in seniors include constipation, bloody stools, swelling, and discomfort when straining.
3. Diverticulitis
Seniors who experience lower left abdominal pain combined with cramping may have diverticulitis. Older adults are more at risk for diverticulitis, colitis, and constipation due to aging and lifestyle changes. A 7-10-day course of antibiotics is given as an initial treatment.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in the older population. The pain presents in the upper abdomen and radiates to the back. Acute pancreatitis in seniors can be caused by alcoholism, biliary tract disease, hypothermia, infections, and exposure to carbon monoxide.
5. Biliary Disease
Biliary tract disorders are also common in geriatric populations. Biliary disease affects the bile ducts, gallstone, and other structures involved in transporting bile (a bodily fluid that aids in digestion). Abdominal pain results when gallstones block the neck of the gall bladder.
6. Bowel Obstruction
Small bowel obstructions typically manifest after a hernia or adhesions from a prior surgery. Seniors with this condition suffer from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Upon a medical exam, the physician may find an ill-defined mass, dehydration, or altered bowel sounds.
7. Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers account for 16 percent of all complaints of abdominal pain among seniors. Hospital admission rates have risen in recent years due to the increased use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which raise the risk of stomach-related injuries in the elderly.
8. Constipation
Abdominal pain can sometimes be due to constipation, a common condition in the older population. Constipation is likely to result when the senior’s fiber and nutrition intakes are low, or their medication produces side effects. Decreased mobility also contributes to constipation in seniors.
9. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Older adult smokers are at a high risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Tobacco use is the strongest risk factor for this condition. The disease can cause abdominal pain and backache. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause severe abdominal and back pain.
When should the senior seek medical care?
Depending on the cause, abdominal pain can be serious. Most abdominal pain is harmless and resolves on its own or without surgical intervention. However, seniors who experience pain are advised to see their doctor or visit the emergency room under certain conditions.
Seek immediate medical care when the pain is severe or persists for several hours. If the pain is accompanied by vomiting or shortness of breath, see a doctor right away. Seniors who become pale and clammy or are unable to pass urine, gas, or bowels must visit a healthcare provider.
Upon seeing the doctor, be prepared to communicate the location of the pain, when it started, and its severity. Notify the physician of whether the pain comes and goes, what led up to the pain and if the senior had experienced this pain before. Gallstone pain, for example, recurs.
If your aging loved one experiences abdominal pain, determine the cause with the help of a healthcare provider. If the pain is caused by constipation, ensure the senior consumes sufficient fiber and nutrition. The caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care prepare balanced, fiber-rich meals to promote health.
Our dependable in-home care services are also useful if the senior needs surgery to resolve the abdominal pain. We offer post-surgical care to help the senior recover at home. Caregivers provide assistance with the activities of daily living so the older patient can rest and recuperate.
Typical care responsibilities that support the senior include light housekeeping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, companionship, and transportation to the medical clinic, doctor’s office, or pharmacy. If continual monitoring is needed, we offer 24-hour care. Care options include overnight care and live-in care, among others.
When the older adult in your life could use extra support, choose Assisting Hands Home Care, serving Batavia, Aurora, St Charles, Bartlett, IL, and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free in-home consult today at (630) 948-8193 and learn how compassionate elder care can enhance the senior’s well-being and elevate their overall quality of life.
