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A Gut Feeling: Long COVID and GI symptoms
Over the past two years, it has become clear that post COVID syndrome (PCS) is more than just fatigue and shortness of breath. Symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, ringing in the ears, and even eye changes have been reported as part of PCS, and it seems that every day we are learning more about possibly related symptoms.
One group of symptoms we are hearing more about lately involves the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In our COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program (CARP), patients have reported a wide variety of GI issues, ranging from mild nausea and decreased appetite to severe and new constipation and food intolerance.
And what we have seen firsthand has also been documented in medical literature. A study published in March 2022 found that in 147 patients with no prior GI problems, 16% reported having new GI symptoms roughly 100 days after their SARS-COV2 infection.1 The most common symptoms included:
- Abdominal pain 7.5%
- Constipation 6.8%
- Diarrhea 4.1%
- Vomiting 4.1%
Similarly, in a study published in April 2022, researchers found that patients with PCS were experiencing Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBI).2 Symptoms with this condition included:
- Heartburn
- Troubles swallowing
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Incontinence
While we are not sure yet, there are several possible ways the COVID-19 infection could cause GI problems. For example, the lining of the gut has a large amount of the receptors that the SARS-COV2 virus uses to invade cells. The general inflammation caused by the infection can also disrupt the normal bacteria that live in the gut and stimulate some of the GI system nerves.
What should you do if you are experiencing GI symptoms as part of PCS?
First, make sure to adequately hydrate and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Fad and extreme diets have not been found to be helpful in PCS. Instead, we recommend a standard Mediterranean diet with a reduction in processed foods. Second, avoid using lots of over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms. Sometimes, this can make the problem worse. Instead, speak to your medical professional first to develop a treatment plan.
Hopefully, with more research, we will be able to offer more treatments that get patients feeling better faster.
- JW B, J L, D J, DE F. Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms after recovery from COVID-19. Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society. 2022;34(3).
- R EN, A S, I S, et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms and the severity of COVID-19: Disorders of gut-brain interaction are an outcome. Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society. 2022.
Read more about PCS through the eyes of a MN legislator. Connect with other people like you and share your recovery tips and successes in the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 support group.
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I’m so sorry to hear what has happened to you, too. Good luck also, and I hope these symptoms eventually disappear.
So I signed up for your Blog here at Mayo since I have had COVID & COVID Long symptoms since New Years Eve and expected to see some answers to what is causing all this. What I find is thousands of people writing in describing their symptoms but very little from Mayo about underlying overall causes and solutions. Oh I see them recommending drugs here and there but nothing to say what is the root cause of what is happening in our bodies. Yet they seem to come out and keep recommending more vaccine booster shots again with little evidence of what these vaccines do to the body. All these people, inclduing me, are coming here for answers and looking to the great Mayo Clinic to tell us where they are in this fight to get our health back and go on with life. So please reply even if it is to say "We have no idea what is causing this!".
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13 ReactionsYES!!! I think they are in somewhat of the same boat we are as they really do not have the answers yet. I am certain there will be more and more as time goes by that reveals itself regarding the real damage this COVID virus and it's variants have and continue to cause long term.
Should I see neurologist to rule out other medical issues?
Had a light case of covid in Dec 2021. In Feb 2022, food sensitivities resurfaced which had been at bay for 10 years. My naturopath confirmed that covid messes with the gut microbiome, and prescribed daily AOR LGlutamine Powder, probiotics, Quercitin, and Genuine Health Fermented Organic Gut SuperFoods. Issue resolved within 2 months whereas 10 years ago it took 2 years. The last 2 supplements were new to me and I suspect helped me alot this time around. Glad to find some research on covid/gut is being done as I know others who also have post covid gut issues - this is the first article I have ever seen that discusses it!
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8 ReactionsProbiotics have really helped me as well. Which Genuine Health Fermented Organic Gut SuperFoods product did you use and in what dosage? Thanks!
I attach a photo of the product. 1 scoop per day.
Tip from experience: Mixing this into water turns the water brown, which is off putting. I highly recommend mixing it into homemade cold iced tea with lemon...as it is already brown in colour!
Photo will not attach. Genuine Health Organic Gut Superfood, Unflavored & Unsweetened. (Prebiotic with 21 fully Fermented plant-based superfoods to support a healthy gut). 229 g container.
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1 ReactionI too am having the same issues. My cardiologist and PCP evidently were no help to me. I went to a Naturopathic Doctor and in one visit talking about my concerns post covid she said I had Post Covid Autonomic Dysfunction. She gave me (for $214) some supplements to take and changed my diet a bit and gave me some tips on relaxing and getting some sunshine in the morning. I had Covid Pneumonia and was on a ventilator for almost two weeks while in the hospital. Total stay in the hospital was 5 weeks. I was released from the hospital 1/04/2022. All I can say is that the doctors are learning as we go too. And after two weeks of my new routine of supplements and so on I'm starting to feel better. Not out of the woods completely but I have hope again that I will get past this.
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3 ReactionsMy 18 year old had a very bad bout of COVID in January, mostly GI symptoms 7 months later it is even worse all testing is “negative” and she has tried every over the counter medication, gone to the ER for an enema, and utilized enemas at home for relief The doctor wants her to try Linzess but there are so many side effects It is taking an emotional toll on her and preventing her from leaving the house and being her usual happy self
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