GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY ACROSS AGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PEDIATRIC AND ADULT POPULATION
Main Article Content
Keywords
Gastrointestinal motility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, colonic transit, digestion, aging, pediatric motility, adult digestion, gut health
Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal motility varies across different age groups, influencing digestion and overall gut function. While motility is rapid in early life, it gradually slows with age, often leading to digestive issues such as reflux in infants and constipation in older adults. Understanding these differences can help in managing age-related gastrointestinal conditions more effectively.
Objective
This study aimed to compare gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and colonic transit time in pediatric and adult populations to assess how motility changes with age.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Women Medical and Dental College from January 2023 to January 2024, with a sample size of 103 participants. Subjects were categorized into different age groups, ranging from neonates to older adults. Data on gastrointestinal motility were collected using standardized methods, including breath tests for gastric emptying, Smart Capsule studies for intestinal transit, and radiopaque markers for colonic transit. Additional factors such as dietary intake, hydration, physical activity, and medication use were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results
The findings indicated that gastric emptying and intestinal transit times were significantly faster in children and adolescents, reaching peak efficiency in young adults. However, motility declined progressively with age, with the most notable delays observed in older adults. Colonic transit time was significantly prolonged in the elderly, correlating with higher constipation rates. Lifestyle factors, including dietary fiber intake and physical activity, played a significant role in maintaining gut motility, particularly in younger age groups.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal motility undergoes significant changes with age, with faster digestion in early life and gradual slowing in later years. The results emphasize the need for age-specific dietary and lifestyle interventions to manage motility-related issues effectively. Further research is needed to explore long-term patterns and potential interventions for improving digestive health across different age groups.
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Dr Nirmaldas Pahlajrai
Specialist Pediatrics, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dr Fatiha Manas
Pediatrician, Paeds Unit 1, CMC Children Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan
Dr Ommia Kalsoom
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Women Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Dr Safia Bibi
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Bannu Medical College, Bannu, Pakistan
Dr Amber Asfandyar
Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Tahir Ullah
Assistant Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Bannu Medical College / Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu, Pakistan