How can I relieve constipation quickly at home?

Short-term relief usually involves gentle measures such as increasing fluid intake, using warm drinks, adding fibre gradually, walking or light movement, and in some cases using a mild osmotic laxative like macrogol under guidance. If pain, bleeding or persistent symptoms occur, you should seek medical advice rather than repeatedly self-treating.

Constipation Treatment in Dubai | Chronic Constipation Specialist

Q: Why do some people get constipated while others do not?

The colon is designed to absorb water. The longer stool stays inside the large bowel, the more water is removed and the harder and drier it becomes. On top of that, factors such as low fibre intake, dehydration, medications and slow bowel transit all increase the chance of constipation in some people more than others.

Q: What are the new laxative options for chronic constipation?

Beyond traditional stimulant and osmotic laxatives, newer prescription options for chronic constipation include secretagogues such as linaclotide and lubiprostone, and prokinetic agents such as prucalopride. These medicines act on fluid secretion and bowel motility and can be very helpful for the right patient after specialist assessment.

Q: Can thyroid problems cause constipation?

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a well-recognised cause of constipation. It slows many body processes, including gut motility. For this reason thyroid function tests are often part of the blood work-up when a patient presents with chronic constipation.

Q: When should I see a gastroenterologist for constipation in Dubai?

You should see a gastroenterologist if constipation is persistent, is associated with abdominal pain or bloating, there is any rectal bleeding, weight loss, change in stool calibre, or a family history of bowel disease. You should also seek advice if standard home measures and over-the-counter remedies are not helping.

Q: Is there an expert for treatment of constipation in Dubai?

There are several specialists who manage constipation in Dubai. Dr Pranab Gyawali is a UK-trained consultant gastroenterologist with over 25 years of experience, and is very familiar with modern approaches to chronic constipation, IBS-C and complex bowel motility problems. He combines lifestyle, dietary and microbiome-focused care with evidence-based medications and appropriate investigations.

Why do some people get constipated while others seem completely fine? A big part of the answer lies in how the colon works. Its main job is to absorb water – so the longer stool stays in the bowel, the more water is removed and the harder and drier it becomes. That is when you start to feel bloated, sluggish and uncomfortable.

I’m Dr Pranab Gyawali, consultant gastroenterologist practising in Dubai. I see constipation every day – from simple, short-term problems to chronic constipation linked with conditions such as IBS-C, thyroid disease or inflammatory bowel disease. This page explains why constipation happens, when it needs investigation, and the treatment options I use in Dubai.

Why Some People Get Constipation

Why Constipation Happens in the First Place

The large intestine (colon) forms the last part of the digestive tract. As partly digested food passes through the colon, water and salts are absorbed. If the passage is slow, more water is absorbed and stool becomes progressively firmer: softer and mushier in the right (ascending) colon, more formed in the transverse and descending colon, and often pellet-like by the time it reaches the sigmoid colon and rectum.

Diagram of the colon showing soft stool in the ascending colon and harder stool in the sigmoid colon as water is absorbed. — As stool moves slowly through the colon, more water is absorbed – soft stool in the ascending colon can become hard and pellet-like in the sigmoid colon.

What Causes Constipation? The 5 Key Triggers

Lifestyle and Diet Factors

The most common causes I see in Dubai are related to lifestyle and diet:

Low fibre intake – few vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Low fluid intake – particularly in hot weather, where mild dehydration is common.
Sedentary routine – long hours sitting at a desk or in a car.
Ignoring the urge – delaying going to the toilet regularly.

Medications That Can Lead to Constipation

Several medicines used commonly in Dubai can slow the bowel and cause constipation:

Painkillers, especially opioid-based medicines.
Iron tablets (often prescribed for iron deficiency or in pregnancy).
Certain antidepressants and other neurological medications.

Underlying Medical Conditions I Often See in Dubai

Sometimes constipation is a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed:

IBS-C treatment in Dubai – irritable bowel syndrome with constipation as the main bowel pattern.
Slow-transit constipation treatment – where the colon’s movement is sluggish and stool progresses very slowly.
Constipation and thyroid issues – particularly with underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Constipation in patients with well-controlled Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

In fact, even when inflammatory bowel disease is quiet, the bowel can sometimes become “too slow”. Just the other day in clinic, I started a patient with well-controlled ulcerative colitis on a gentle osmotic laxative. It is not unusual – the key is recognising it early and managing it appropriately.

Symptoms of Constipation and When to Worry

For many people, constipation simply means not going as often as usual. However, medically, we also think about:

Hard, dry or pellet-like stools.
Straining or feeling that emptying is incomplete.
Bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain.
A sense of “backed up” or sluggish bowels.

You should seek medical advice if constipation is:

Persistent over several weeks.
Associated with significant pain or bloating.
Accompanied by rectal bleeding or blood mixed with stool.
Linked with weight loss, fatigue or a change in stool shape or calibre.
Occurring in someone with a strong family history of bowel disease or polyps.

My Approach to Constipation Treatment in Dubai

Step 1 – How to Relieve Constipation Quickly (Foundational Care)

Treatment usually starts with simple, consistent measures:

Fibre – increased gradually through vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Hydration – regular water intake, and sometimes warm drinks.
Movement – even daily walking can help stimulate the colon.
Bathroom habits – responding to the urge promptly and allowing unhurried toilet time.

Step 2 – New Laxative Options for Chronic Constipation

When lifestyle measures alone are not enough, we consider medication. Osmotic laxatives (such as macrogol/Movicol) draw water into the stool and are often a gentle first step. Stool softeners and suppositories may also be useful in selected cases.

For ongoing or more severe constipation, newer prescription options are available

I generally try to minimise long-term stimulant laxative use, but these newer agents can be genuinely helpful for the right patient after a proper assessment.

Step 3 – Advanced Assessment for Chronic or Difficult Constipation

For some people, constipation is not simply about diet, fibre or needing a stronger laxative.

Patients often tell me:

“I still feel blocked even after going.”

“I strain a lot but very little comes out.”

“It feels like the stool gets stuck.”

“I can spend a long time on the toilet and still not feel empty.”

When constipation becomes persistent, difficult to treat, or associated with incomplete emptying, we sometimes need to investigate further to understand exactly what part of the bowel process is not working properly.

This is important because not all constipation is the same.

In some people:

the bowel moves too slowly
the rectum may not sense stool normally
the pelvic floor muscles may not relax properly
or there may be structural problems affecting evacuation

That is why advanced constipation assessment may involve several different types of testing.

Understanding Why Constipation Is Happening

Colonic Transit Studies

Sometimes the issue is that stool moves unusually slowly through the colon. A colonic transit study helps assess how quickly material travels through the bowel and whether slow-transit constipation may be contributing to symptoms.

Pelvic Floor and Emptying Problems

Some patients mainly struggle with evacuation rather than slow bowel movement itself.

Typical symptoms include:

excessive straining
feeling blocked
incomplete emptying
needing repeated trips to the toilet
stool feeling “stuck”

In these situations, pelvic floor dysfunction or difficulty coordinating the muscles used during bowel movements may be contributing.

Anorectal Manometry and Rectal Sensation Testing

Anorectal manometry helps assess how the rectum and anal sphincter muscles function during bowel movements.

The test can help evaluate:

pelvic floor coordination
sphincter pressures
rectal sensation
difficulty relaxing during evacuation

This can be particularly useful in patients whose constipation does not improve despite standard treatments.

MRI Defecography

In selected patients, MRI defecography may help visualise what physically happens during evacuation and emptying.

This specialised imaging test can assess for problems such as:

obstructed defecation
rectocele
prolapse
pelvic floor descent
structural emptying disorders

Advanced Constipation Assessment in Dubai

Dr Pranab Gyawali has access to these advanced constipation and pelvic floor assessment tools at the clinic where he practises in Dubai.

The centre is JCI-accredited, reflecting internationally recognised healthcare quality and safety standards.

Step 4 – Specialised Treatments for Complex Constipation

One of the most important parts of treating chronic constipation is understanding that not all constipation behaves in the same way.

Some patients mainly have slow bowel movement through the colon. Others struggle more with evacuation and incomplete emptying. In some people, both problems can occur together.

This is why identifying the underlying pattern matters, as different types of constipation often require very different treatment approaches.

Depending on the findings, treatment may include:

newer prescription constipation therapies such as secretagogues or prokinetic medications
pelvic floor physiotherapy or biofeedback therapy for evacuation disorders
optimisation of bowel habit training and toileting mechanics
specialised enemas or antegrade colonic enemas in selected situations
management of associated IBS-C, bloating or slow-transit constipation
multidisciplinary assessment for severe refractory constipation or obstructed defecation when necessary

In some patients, newer motility-targeting medications can be particularly helpful where the bowel itself is moving too slowly. In others, the priority may be improving pelvic floor coordination and evacuation mechanics rather than simply increasing laxatives further.

Not everyone will require extensive testing or advanced treatment. However, when constipation becomes persistent, difficult to treat, or associated with incomplete emptying or excessive straining, a more detailed assessment can often help guide a safer and more effective long-term plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Constipation in Dubai

Why do some people get constipated while others do not?

The colon’s job is to absorb water. When stool stays in the colon for longer, more water is removed and it becomes harder and drier. On top of this, low fibre intake, dehydration, medications and slow bowel transit all increase the chances of constipation in certain people.

How can I relieve constipation quickly?

In many cases, short-term relief comes from simple measures: drinking more water, using warm drinks, gentle movement, and – if needed – a mild osmotic laxative. However, if constipation keeps returning, it is safer to look for the cause rather than repeatedly treating the symptom.

What are the new laxative options for chronic constipation?

Newer medicines such as linaclotide, lubiprostone and prucalopride target fluid balance and motility in the bowel. They can be effective for chronic constipation and IBS-C, but should be prescribed after an assessment by a specialist who understands your overall health and bowel history.

Can constipation be related to IBS-C or slow-transit constipation?

Yes. IBS-C describes irritable bowel syndrome where constipation and abdominal discomfort are key features, often with symptom relief after a bowel movement. Slow-transit constipation is where the colon simply moves more slowly than usual. The treatment approach, and the need for tests, can differ between the two.

Can thyroid problems cause constipation?

An underactive thyroid is a common and often overlooked cause of constipation. It slows down the body’s metabolism and gut motility, which is why thyroid tests are part of the standard work-up for chronic constipation.

When should I see a gastroenterologist for constipation in Dubai?

You should see a gastroenterologist if constipation persists, is accompanied by pain, bloating, bleeding, weight loss or a change in your usual bowel habit, or if you have a family history of bowel disease. It is also sensible to seek advice if over-the-counter remedies are no longer helping.

Is there an expert for treatment of constipation in Dubai?

There are several doctors who treat constipation in Dubai. My own background is as a UK-trained consultant gastroenterologist with over 25 years of experience looking after patients with constipation, IBS-C and complex bowel motility problems. My approach is to combine careful assessment with practical lifestyle changes, microbiome-aware diet advice and evidence-based medications, so that treatment is tailored to each person rather than one-size-fits-all.

If constipation persists → get help.

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Constipation Treatment in Dubai – Why It Happens and How an Expert Gastroenterologist Can Help