ALL ABOUT CONSTIPATION – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & RELIEF TIPS

Constipation is an uncomfortable, often ignored issue that is rarely talked about until it becomes too frustrating to ignore. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and for many in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, it’s a growing concern. 

In this blog, we’re diving into everything you want to know about constipation, from what causes it to the different symptoms you might notice. We’ll talk about how diet and lifestyle can help prevent constipation, how it’s connected to issues like postpartum recovery, medications, and surgery. You’ll also find straightforward tips on constipation relief.

We’ll also touch on constipation treatment options available at Reem Hospital, home remedies you can try, and when it might be more than “just” constipation.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation refers to a change in the pattern of bowel movements and can vary from having fewer bowel movements than usual, or having difficult and painful movements with a sensation of not having completely emptied your bowels. According to the clinical definition, it’s typically characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements a week.

Constipation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting 3 weeks or longer), and it doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone at any age, including newborns and older adults.

What is Chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is a persistent condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools over an extended period, typically lasting several weeks or longer. It’s more than just an occasional inconvenience; it can significantly impact daily life and overall wellbeing.

Common Causes of Constipation

There’s no single cause of constipation. Instead, it’s often the result of a combination of factors. Some of the most common include:

• Low fiber intake: Diets lacking fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow things down.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes stool harder and more difficult to pass.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can reduce gut motility.
• Stress and anxiety: Believe it or not, your gut and brain are closely connected.
• Ignoring the urge to go: Holding it in regularly can confuse your body’s natural signals.
• Medications: Certain painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements can slow bowel function.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, or neurological disorders can contribute to chronic constipation.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and hormonal imbalances can affect bowel movements.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, can impact the muscles involved in bowel movements.
• Pelvic outlet dysfunction: This is a disorder of pelvic floor muscles which makes it difficult to evacuate the stool from the rectum

Symptoms of Constipation

Sometimes, constipation can sneak up on you. You might not notice until your body starts sending signals, such as:

• Fewer bowel movements than usual
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stool
• Straining or pain while passing stool
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Bloating or gas
• Nausea

When Constipation Gets Complicated

While constipation might seem minor, it can sometimes lead to serious complications if left untreated:

• Hemorrhoids from straining
• Tears in the lining of the anus (anal fissures) 
• Fecal impaction (a severe blockage)
• Diverticulosis or diverticulitis – a condition where pouches that form off the wall of your colon can get infected 
• Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which can also result in problems with urination 

It’s important to take chronic constipation seriously and seek care if symptoms persist.

How to prevent constipation?

Many people ask about a constipation cure, but the truth is, prevention is often the best approach:

• Stay hydrated, through water, fluids, and water rich food such as vegetables and fruits
• Eat a balanced diet with high fiber such as vegetables and fruits, probiotic rich such as yoghurt and less low fiber diet such as red meat and processed food
• Get regular movement through exercising and staying active for at least 30 minutes a day
• Pay attention to your body’s natural cues, don’t wait if you have the urge to go to the bathroom
• Manage stress through yoga and meditation 

These simple practices form the backbone of a healthy gut.

Constipation in Kids

Constipation in kids is more common than many parents realize. According to pediatric guidelines, constipation is often defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, painful stools, or visible straining. For many children, it can lead to fear of using the toilet, creating a frustrating cycle.

While it might not seem like a big deal at first, untreated constipation can lead to complications and affect your child’s physical and emotional well-being. Some parents even report behavioral issues or signs of withdrawal in kids struggling with ongoing constipation, showing just how far-reaching the constipation effects can be.

Constipation symptoms for Infants (0–12 months)

It can be tricky to tell if your baby is constipated, especially since they can’t communicate how they’re feeling. But there are a few red flags you can keep an eye out for:

• Fewer dirty diapers: If your baby is going more than a few days without a bowel movement, it may be constipation.
• Hard, pellet-like stools: Baby poop should be soft. Tiny, dry, round stools are a sign of constipation.
• Straining or crying when trying to go: A little grunting is normal, but if your baby seems genuinely in pain, that’s worth checking out.
• A distended belly or bloating: A firm, swollen tummy could mean there’s stool building up.
• Loss of appetite or spitting up more: When constipated, some babies eat less or seem fussy after feeds.

Helpful at-home remedies:

• A warm bath to help them relax
• Gentle tummy massage in clockwise circles
• Bicycle leg movements
• A small amount of prunes or pear juice (only if your pediatrician agrees)

Constipation symptoms for Toddlers (1–3 years)

Toddlers are at a common age for constipation, especially during toilet training. Here’s what to watch for:

• Going several days without a bowel movement
• Visible discomfort or crying when trying to poop
• Soiling accidents after having already learned to use the potty (this can be a sign of stool withholding)
• Refusing to use the toilet or trying to “hold it in” because of fear of pain
• Traces of blood in the stool (can be from tiny tears called anal fissures)
• Loss of appetite or feeling full after just a few bites
• Irritability, mood swings, or tantrums seemingly without cause
• Hard, dry, or large stools that are painful to pass

At-home support:

• Make “toilet time” part of your routine—especially after meals
• Add fiber-rich finger foods like apples, pears, or oats
• Offer plenty of water throughout the day
• Use positive reinforcement for bathroom successes

Constipation symptoms for older children (4+ years)

At this age, children can sometimes explain how they feel, but not always. Here are signs that constipation may be affecting them:

• Complaints of stomach aches or cramps, especially around the belly button or lower belly
• Behavioral issues at school or home linked to physical discomfort
• Long gaps between bowel movements, or consistently hard stools
• Bloating, distended abdomen, or gassy discomfort
• Soiling underwear, even if they’re already toilet trained (a condition called encopresis)
• Avoiding meals or saying they’re not hungry
• Difficulty focusing, irritability, or tiredness, constipation can even affect brain function when chronic

When simple remedies aren’t enough:

If dietary changes, hydration, and routine don’t bring relief, your doctor may recommend:

• Safe laxatives for short-term use
• A mild constipation enema (only under medical supervision)
• A tailored constipation care plan involving stool tracking and support from our pediatric specialists
• Constipation ultrasound to rule out structural issues, or further investigation into conditions like constipation and urinary retention or ulcerative colitis

Constipation After Surgery or Childbirth

Many patients report constipation after surgery, whether it’s due to anesthesia, opioid medications, or reduced movement during recovery. Similarly, constipation after C-section or constipation after delivery is incredibly common, especially with hormonal changes, dehydration, and postpartum medication.

When to see a doctor for constipation?

Occasional constipation is common and often manageable at home. But there are times when it’s more than just a temporary slowdown.

Here are signs that it’s time to speak to a healthcare provider:

• Constipation lasting more than a week despite home remedies
• Needing laxatives regularly to have a bowel movement
• Blood in your stool or on the tissue (this may look bright red or dark and tarry)
• Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating that doesn’t go away
• Nausea or vomiting alongside constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or a sudden change in appetite
• Severe straining or pain during bowel movements
• Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels even after going
• Constipation alternating with diarrhea (this could signal a more complex digestive issue)
• Constipation and urinary retention: trouble peeing, like more frequent peeing, increased urgency to pee, or painful peeing
• Chronic constipation during pregnancy, after delivery, or following a C-section
• Children showing signs of constipation and blood in stool, soiling accidents, or severe discomfort
• If you suspect constipation due to medications

Constipation Treatment

At Reem Hospital, we take a constipation care plan approach that’s personalized and holistic. The plan is tailored by our top-notch gastroenterologists in Abu Dhabi, where they will ask questions about your medical history, your diet and lifestyle, as well as your medications and family history. 

Here are some common treatment options:

1. Dietary Changes

• High fiber diet: Add fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Drink more water; hydration is key.

2. Exercise

Even gentle movements like walking or yoga help. Consider constipation exercises that target the core and stimulate digestion.

3. Laxatives and Suppositories

Used with care and only under medical guidance:

• Constipation laxatives for occasional relief
• Constipation suppository for children when diet adjustments aren’t enough
• Constipation enema for severe cases

4. Home Remedies

For those seeking constipation home remedies, consider:

• Use Natural Laxative Foods: Certain foods are known for their gentle laxative effect and can help move things along without causing cramping:
  • Prunes or prune juice: one of the oldest and most effective natural remedies
  • Kiwi fruit: rich in fiber and enzymes that support gut function
  • Papaya and ripe bananas: soothing and easy to digest
  • Warm soups and broths: hydrate and soften stool while being easy on the stomach

• Abdominal Massage and Warm baths: For both kids and adults, a warm bath can relax tense abdominal muscles and help in relaxation and stress relief.

5. Medical Interventions

First, your gastroenterologist has to exclude serious medical emergency conditions like constipation due to bowel obstruction; in this case, emergency surgery may be indicated.

If standard treatments don’t work, we may explore:

• Imaging (like a constipation ultrasound) to rule out blockages
• Addressing related issues like constipation vs fecal impaction
• Support for complex conditions like constipation ulcerative colitis

Conclusion:

Constipation may not be something we talk about openly, but it affects more people than you might imagine. Whether it’s occasional discomfort or a chronic issue that’s starting to impact your everyday life, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through it in silence.

At Reem Hospital, we see the full picture. We understand that constipation isn’t just a digestive issue; it can affect your sleep, your mood, your energy levels, and your overall sense of well-being. And because everybody is different, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take time to listen, assess, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.