Can Long COVID Affect the Gut?
Low energy, brain fog, and lung problems are a few of the lingering aftereffects reported by some people who have had COVID-19. However, new evidence suggests that GI problems may persist in some people who have had COVID-19. If this is the case, the experts have a few suggestions as to what might help ease the symptoms.
What Happens to the Gut During a COVID Infection?
Since 2020, we've known that the virus particles that cause lung illness also infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and colon. This can trigger abdominal pain and diarrhea, which often — but not always — clear up as people recover. We also know that sometimes gut problems like irritable bowel syndrome can occur even after the sickness is cured. Could this be the same for COVID?
What is Long COVID?
While most people who get COVID-19 will survive, medical science is becoming aware of a group of people suffering from lasting declines in health. Well-reported long COVID aftereffects include tiredness, breathing difficulty, heart rhythm changes, and muscle pain. But few people, even in the medical field, are aware that long COVID symptoms may include chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Why Might the Gut be Involved in Long COVID?
Even after the bug that caused an illness is gone, a change in gut-brain signaling may occur. A complex network of nerves connects the gut and the brain, and controls communication between different parts of the gut. These nerves tell body organs to produce digestive juices, alert you to the need to go to the bathroom, or prevent you from having another serving of stuffing at the Thanksgiving table.
The nerve network of the gut is so complex and intricate that it is sometimes called the “second brain”. When the system is working properly, you won’t notice a thing; you eat without pain and you have no GI worries. When the system isn’t working properly, your digestion may be the same but you might also notice differences in pain or destressing changes in bowl movements, like diarrhea and constipation.
What to do if You're Noticing Long-Lasting Gut Problems After COVID-19 Infection
We still do not know conclusively if COVID-19 can cause a long-term change in gut-brain messaging that leads to IBS or other disordered gut-brain interactions. But increasing evidence suggests that GI distress lasting six months or longer might be a symptom of long COVID.
If you are suffering from chronic abdominal pain and a change in your bowel movements after having had COVID-19, please reach out to your doctor. At Bowie Internal Medicine, we can diagnose and treat your condition. Don’t wait, get relief today. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!