An Experimental study to Ascertain the Effectiveness of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Cases of Chronic Constipation in Geriatric.

“Constipation can make you realize that life is not easy”- Rubal Bhatia

 Chronic constipation is being an eternal enigma in the gastroenterological practice globally along with India. Studies on Indians have shown that, frequency of stool 14times/week are considered as normal and majority of stool were of Bristol type IV. Stool frequency decreases with age (>35years) with sedentary lifestyles in which people of old age especially females are more affected. Definition of constipation varies in different population on various factors.  The factors affecting constipation are bowel habits, dietary habits, lifestyles, fluid intake and differences in gut transit time respectively.[1]

According to Global study of ROME Foundation 2021, More than 40% of people worldwide have functional gastrointestinal disorders and their quality of life is affected.[2] Global prevalence of chronic constipation was noted to be 14% according to meta-analytical study carried out on 45 different communities. According to Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, A multicentric study of 22 different communities all over India had taken place, in which 53% people have self-perceived constipation.[3]

Studies have shown that Health related Quality of life is affected due to chronic constipation in old age.[4] Chronic constipation disturbs daily life making the person low spirited, prone to insomnia, anxiety and depression. Due to difficulty in defecation, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption is increased leading to aggravation of Myocardial Infarction and Cerebral hemorrhage. Also, exertion of pressure on rectum leads to rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, hernia, ischemic colitis. Colonic Obstruction and urinary retention or infection occurs due to accumulation of hard feces and sometimes intestinal perforation can also occur. Due to thinning of wall of intestine in old age, Chronic constipation may lead to diverticulitis. In Many cases, risk of colon cancer is increased.[5]

          Certain medications can cause or trigger the constipation in old age as an Adverse effect of drugs, such as anti-analgesic, Anti-cholinergic, Anti-Parkinson’s drugs, Anticonvulsant, Anti-depressant, Antidiarrheal, anti-emetic, Anti-histaminic, Antihypertensive drugs.[6] Global Studies have shown that majority of patient taking laxatives for chronic constipation are dissatisfied with laxatives and looking for the alternative medicine.[7] Homeopathy is a Holistic system of science based on the concept of individualization and can be helpful in cases of chronic constipation in old age. The true natural chronic disease are those that arise from chronic miasm, which is one of the fundamental cause of disease. Homoeopathy believes in treating this Fundamental cause of the disease. Thus, Homeopathic medicines can be used for the long-term care for constipation in old age and improve the quality of life of old age.