A new study at the University of Bologna and elsewhere suggests that COVID-19 may lead to long-term gut problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It is a functional disorder, which means that the digestive system looks normal but does not function properly.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including changes in the gut microbiome, inflammation, and altered communication between the gut and the brain.
Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea, and mucus in the stool.
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may experience periods of remission.
IBS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
Gut symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea have been reported in patients with COVID-19.
It is thought that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and GI symptoms.
The symptoms of COVID-19 that can affect the GI tract include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Some people may only experience GI symptoms without any respiratory symptoms, while others may experience both.
Studies have shown that patients hospitalized for COVID-19 more frequently report the presence of GI symptoms than those who have not been infected with the virus.
It was previously unknown whether COVID-19 could lead to long-term gut problems.
However, the new study showed that people hospitalized for COVID-19 more frequently report gastrointestinal symptoms than those who have not been infected with the virus.
The study also found that COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of developing IBS.
The team found that new diagnoses of IBS were associated with allergies, breathing difficulties during hospitalization for COVID-19, and the chronic use of proton pump inhibitors, which are drugs that block acid production in the stomach.
The researchers tested 2183 patients hospitalized in 36 facilities in 14 countries.
The patients who had contracted COVID-19 were evaluated upon admission to the hospital and then followed up for the next 12 months.
The researchers found that patients with COVID-19 had higher levels of anxiety and depression at 6 and 12 months after hospitalization.
The researchers believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of IBS.
Traces of the virus were found in the small intestine even six months after infection, suggesting that the prolonged state of inflammation and activation of the immune system may lead to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring COVID-19 patients for long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, including IBS.
It is essential to develop effective therapeutic approaches to manage gut-brain interaction disorders associated with COVID-19, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.
There are several ways to maintain good gut health, including:
Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Avoiding processed foods: Processed foods can be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol can damage the lining of the gut and disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the gut microbiome and increase inflammation. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help to promote gut health.
Regular exercise: Exercise can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
If you care about health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and common food additive could boost gut inflammation and colon cancer.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and this diet can reduce leaky gut in older people.
The study was conducted by Giovanni Marasco et al and published in Gut.
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