Doctor Doan Bich Hang, from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pancreatology at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, states that while aging is not a direct cause of digestive diseases, it affects gut activity and impairs organ function. Older adults often have chronic diseases and take many medications. These factors increase the risk of digestive diseases.

Doctor Hang highlighted several common digestive diseases in older adults:

Chronic constipation

The incidence of constipation significantly increases after 65 years of age due to reduced colonic motility, weaker pelvic floor muscles, insufficient physical activity and water intake, and a low-fiber diet. Certain medications for high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, depression, pain relief, or iron supplements also increase the risk of constipation. Prolonged constipation can promote the development of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or rectal prolapse, significantly impacting quality of life.

Gastroesophageal reflux

In older adults, the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, hiatal hernia becomes more common, and gastric emptying slows, increasing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.

According to Doctor Hang, older adults often do not experience the burning sensation behind the breastbone with reflux. Instead, symptoms include persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or recurrent pneumonia due to aspiration of refluxed fluid. These manifestations are easily mistaken for respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

An endoscopy team performs a procedure for a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding

Older adults with underlying cardiovascular or musculoskeletal conditions often use anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These factors increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Symptoms include significant abdominal pain, anemia, fatigue, dizziness, or black stools. If not treated promptly, gastrointestinal bleeding can be life-threatening, especially in individuals with multiple underlying conditions, according to Doctor Hang.

Diverticular disease of the colon

Diverticular diseases of the colon in older adults may be related to weakened colonic walls due to age and prolonged pressure from constipation. Most patients are asymptomatic, but inflamed diverticula can cause abdominal pain, fever, bowel dysfunction, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gallstones

Aging and reduced physical activity decrease gallbladder contractility, creating conditions for gallstone formation. Patients may experience right upper abdominal pain after fatty meals, bloating, nausea, or indigestion. Stones causing bile duct obstruction or infection can lead to fever, jaundice, and severe abdominal pain.

Gastrointestinal cancers

The risk of esophageal, stomach, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers all increases with age. Doctor Hang stated that these are often overlooked because initial symptoms are vague, such as loss of appetite, bloating, weight loss, anemia, or changes in bowel habits.

Older adults with symptoms lasting over two weeks, or a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, chronic hepatitis, smoking, or heavy alcohol consumption, should undergo regular check-ups and screenings as advised by a doctor.

Doctors advise older adults to maintain a balanced diet, ensure sufficient fiber and water intake, exercise daily, limit prolonged self-medication with painkillers, and undergo regular health check-ups. If symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or yellow eyes appear, patients should seek medical attention for examination.

Ly Nguyen