Fibras e manifestações gastrointestinais em pacientes idosos hospitalizados no hospital universitário de Lagarto-SE

Abstract

Introduction: The profile of the elderly population over 60 is composed of the majority of women, low socioeconomic status, high prevalence of chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders and physical disabilities. Due to the aging process both physiological and pathological, with several changes among them: cellular, tissue, organic and functional. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the period from October 2017 to February 2018. Twenty-three patients were investigated through convenience sampling. Data extraction forms were applied to evaluate clinical diagnosis, enteral diet, soluble/ insoluble fiber, diarrhea and constipation. Results: The elderly men presented a frequency of diarrhea of 71.43% (5) and in the female sex presented 28.57% (2), while constipation represented 33.33% (3) and 66.67% (6) respectively. Among the patients who did not present gastrointestinal manifestations (7), 57.14% (4) had fibers in their diet and among those who had diarrhea (7), only 2 patients received the fibers (18.18%), whereas patients who presented constipation (9), only 5 (45.45%) received fiber in their diets. Conclusion: It is essential to follow the nutritionist to monitor the intake of fiber. Fibers bring several benefits and regardless of whether or not hospitalization, help minimize gastrointestinal complications and length of hospital stay.