Constipation Treatment in Mumbai

If you are looking for an experienced Constipation Specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Pediatric Surgeon, provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for chronic constipation at Dhanvantari Hospital. His approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause rather than simply treating the symptoms, ensuring long-term relief and improved bowel health.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, difficulty passing stools, or the sensation of incomplete bowel emptying.

Many patients ask,

"Do I have constipation if I pass stools every day?"

Yes. Even if you have daily bowel movements, you may still have constipation if you experience:

• Hard stools
• Excessive straining
• Pain while passing stools
• Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
• Need for manual assistance to pass stool

Normal bowel habits vary from person to person, making symptoms more important than frequency alone.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can result from dietary habits, lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or structural abnormalities.

Common causes include:

Lifestyle Factors

• Low-fibre diet
• Inadequate water intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Ignoring the urge to pass stools
• Stress and travel

Medical Conditions

• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Parkinson's disease
• Pregnancy
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Medications

Certain medicines may contribute to constipation, including:

• Iron supplements
• Calcium supplements
• Pain medications (opioids)
• Some antidepressants
• Antacids containing calcium or aluminium

Surgical or Structural Causes

• Anal fissures
• Rectal prolapse
• Colonic strictures
• Hirschsprung disease (especially in children)
• Colorectal tumours (less common)

Identifying the exact cause is important for effective treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Common symptoms include:

• Passing stools fewer than three times a week
• Hard or dry stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pain while passing stools
• Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive gas
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea in severe cases

Children with constipation may also experience stool withholding, painful bowel movements, or accidental stool leakage.

How Is Constipation Diagnosed?

Many patients ask,

"Will I need many tests?"

Not necessarily. Most cases can be diagnosed through a detailed medical history and physical examination.

Additional investigations may include:

Physical Examination

Evaluation of the abdomen and, when indicated, rectal examination.

Blood Tests

To detect conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalance.

Abdominal X-ray

Useful for identifying severe stool accumulation or bowel obstruction.

Colonoscopy

Recommended in selected patients, particularly those with:

• Blood in stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent constipation after age 45–50
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Change in bowel habits

Specialized Tests

In selected patients with chronic constipation, additional tests such as anorectal manometry, colonic transit studies, or defecography may be recommended to evaluate bowel function.

How Is Constipation Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications

For many patients, constipation improves with healthy lifestyle changes.

These include:

• Increasing fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drinking 2–3 litres of water daily (unless medically restricted)
• Regular physical activity
• Establishing a regular bowel routine
• Avoiding prolonged delay after feeling the urge to pass stools

Medical Treatment

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Stool softeners
• Fibre supplements
• Osmotic laxatives
• Stimulant laxatives (when appropriate)
• Prescription medications for chronic constipation
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medication based on your individual needs.

When Is Surgery Required?

Many patients ask,

"Can constipation require surgery?"

Most people do not require surgery. However, surgery may be necessary in selected cases, such as:

• Hirschsprung disease
• Severe rectal prolapse
• Colonic obstruction
• Structural abnormalities
• Certain cases of slow-transit constipation that do not respond to medical treatment

The surgical approach depends on the underlying diagnosis.

Why Choose Dr. Bhavesh Doshi – Constipation Specialist in Mumbai?

Chronic constipation is more than just an inconvenience—it can be a sign of an underlying digestive or colorectal condition. Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Pediatric Surgeon, provides comprehensive evaluation for both adults and children experiencing constipation.

At Dhanvantari Hospital, he carefully identifies the root cause of constipation before recommending treatment. His expertise includes managing constipation related to anorectal disorders, paediatric surgical conditions, and structural bowel abnormalities. Whenever surgery is required, he utilizes advanced minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, helping patients recover faster with less discomfort. His patient-focused approach emphasizes long-term bowel health through individualized treatment plans, dietary counselling, and ongoing follow-up.