Palliative Care (Constipation)

What is Palliative Care (Constipation) ❓

 Palliative care is treatment given to improve the quality of life of patients with serious illness and reduce any discomfort

 Constipation is the passing of hard stools, less often, and with difficulty 🚽

 Causes: medication e.g. strong painkillers, direct effects of a tumour/illness 🤕

 Risk factors: inadequate fluid/fibre, inactivity, lack of privacy

What are the Symptoms of Constipation ❓

 Difficulty/straining/pain when passing stools 💢

 Dry and hard stool

 Abnormally large or small stool

 Reduced frequency of bowel movements 📆

 May cause:

 Bleeding

 Unwellness 😖

 Stomach ache

 Nausea/vomiting 🤢

 Diarrhoea

How do you Diagnose Constipation ❓

 Medical assessment 📋

How do you Treat Constipation ❓

 Reduce risk factors effect e.g. increase fluids 💧

 Various laxatives 💊

Why should I Worry about Constipation ❓

 Can cause distress for the patient

 Can lead to impacted faeces and/or infection 🏥

 Some cancers can cause a bowel obstruction