constipation and abdominal pain
Constipation accompanied by abdominal pain is a common gastrointestinal presentation that requires careful evaluation to distinguish benign functional causes from structural or metabolic issues.
Possible urgent-care warning
Your description mentions symptoms that can be serious. If any of the following apply right now, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department — do not wait for a GP appointment:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe constant abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
Possible causes
- 01
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
commonA common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation or changes in bowel habits.
Evidence
- 02
Functional Constipation
commonInfrequent, difficult, incomplete, or painful bowel movements without an underlying structural or physiological cause.
- 03
Hypothyroidism
possibleAn underactive thyroid gland slows metabolic processes, frequently leading to systemic symptoms including severe constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Evidence
- NICE CKS: Hypothyroidism clinical topic overview
- 04
Bowel Obstruction
less commonA mechanical or functional blockage of the intestines preventing the passage of stool, presenting with severe pain, vomiting, and inability to pass gas.
Evidence
Recommended tests
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A comprehensive clinical assessment is essential to evaluate abdominal pain, rule out red flags, and guide appropriate management.
Guideline
Full body blood test
→80+ marker screen — CBC, thyroid, liver, kidney, iron, vitamin D, HbA1c, lipids, hormones.
Why: Helps screen for metabolic causes of constipation, such as thyroid dysfunction, hypercalcaemia, or systemic inflammation.
Guideline
- NICE CKS: Constipation in adults - Investigations
Thyroid function panel
→TSH, Free T3, Free T4 — first-line test for fatigue, weight change, hair loss, mood.
Why: Specifically evaluates thyroid function to rule out hypothyroidism as a primary metabolic driver of slow colonic transit.
When to worry
- Unexplained, unintentional weight loss
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Severe, constant, or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting or inability to pass gas (flatus)
- New-onset constipation in patients aged 50 or older without a prior history
Sources & guidelines
This triage is grounded in mainstream clinical guidance. Every case is reviewed in person by a British-trained GP before any diagnosis or prescription.
- NICE CKS: Constipation in adults (2023)
Related
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This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
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"Called at 8am with a fever, had a British-trained doctor at my door by 11. He sat with me for 45 minutes — not the 5 minutes I'm used to. Prescription delivered same day. Felt like having a proper GP again."
"We finally have one doctor who knows all of us. The kids actually like going. Follow-up calls happen without us chasing. Worth every dirham."
"The 40+ marker report came back with a real conversation, not a PDF dumped in my inbox. Caught a vitamin deficiency I'd been ignoring for years."
"After surgery I dreaded going back to a hospital for dressings. Their nurse came every other day, the doctor checked in by WhatsApp. Healed faster than I expected."
"Fell ill on day two of our trip. Doctor in the suite within 90 minutes, full assessment, prescription to the hotel pharmacy. Genuinely NHS-standard care in Dubai."
"My father refuses to leave the house. Aafiyah's team comes monthly, manages his medication, and treats him with such dignity. It changed everything for our family."
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