Constipation
Constipation is usually due to low fibre, low fluids, low activity or medication side effects, and improves with lifestyle changes and short-term laxatives. Persistent constipation, especially with weight loss, blood in stool, or new change in bowel habit over age 50, needs medical assessment and possibly colonoscopy.
Key information
- Symptom
- Constipation
- Category
- Digestive system
- Common possible causes
- Low fibre and low fluid intake, Sedentary lifestyle, Ignoring the urge to go, Pregnancy
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, TSH, Calcium, Glucose and HbA1c
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Constipation is infrequent, hard or difficult-to-pass stools — often <3 per week — for more than a few weeks.
Common possible causes
- · Low fibre and low fluid intake
- · Sedentary lifestyle
- · Ignoring the urge to go
- · Pregnancy
- · Irritable bowel syndrome (constipation-predominant)
- · Medication side effects
- · Travel and routine change
Less common possible causes
- · Underactive thyroid
- · High calcium
- · Diabetes
- · Pelvic floor dysfunction
- · Neurological conditions
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Bowel cancer
- · Bowel obstruction
- · New change in bowel habit lasting >3 weeks, especially over age 50
- · Blood in stool
- · Unexplained weight loss
- · Severe abdominal pain
- · Vomiting with constipation (suspect obstruction)
- · Family history of bowel cancer
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Severe abdominal pain with constipation and vomiting
- · Complete inability to pass stool or wind
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Chronic constipation for review
- · Suspected IBS-C
- · Medication-related constipation
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How often are you opening your bowels?
- · Any blood in stool or on toilet paper?
- · Any weight loss, appetite change or fatigue?
- · How much water and fibre are you having?
- · Which medications do you take?
- · Any thyroid symptoms?
History factors that may matter
- · Pregnancy
- · Hypothyroidism
- · Diabetes
- · Family history of bowel cancer
Medicines that may contribute
- · Opioid painkillers
- · Iron supplements
- · Calcium supplements
- · Some blood-pressure medicines
- · Antidepressants
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Abdominal examination
- · Rectal examination where indicated
- · General observation for weight loss and pallor
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · TSH
- · Calcium
- · Glucose and HbA1c
- · Coeliac screen
Other tests
- · Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) where indicated
- · Colonoscopy referral for red-flag features
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Gastroenterology for red flags, chronic constipation not responding to treatment, or suspected pelvic-floor dysfunction
Possible treatment approaches
- · Fibre, fluid and activity increase
- · Short-term laxatives (bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant)
- · Address contributing medications
- · Treat underlying causes (hypothyroidism etc.)
Safe self-care
- · 2 litres of water per day (more in Dubai’s heat)
- · 25–30 g of fibre per day
- · Regular activity — even walking
- · Consistent toilet routine after meals
Best avoided
- · Long-term stimulant laxative use without medical advice
- · Ignoring rectal bleeding
- · Very low-carb diets without fibre replacement
How Aafiyah can help
- · GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Blood tests to exclude underlying causes
- · Onward gastroenterology referral where needed
Related tests
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about constipation?+
See a doctor for a new persistent change in bowel habit for more than 3 weeks, especially over age 50, or if you have blood in stool, weight loss, severe pain or a family history of bowel cancer.
How much fibre and water do I need?+
Aim for 25–30 g of fibre and around 2 litres of water per day. In Dubai’s climate, you may need more water, especially if you exercise outdoors.
Are laxatives safe long-term?+
Bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives can be used long-term under medical advice. Stimulant laxatives should generally be short-term only.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Constipation — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Constipation — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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