Has anyone experienced Covid Gut? What helps?

I started having bad reflux, nothing helped. Also the fatigue and brain fog. I added double dose probiotic and a prebiotic fiber supplement with inulin. I had a course of cipro for a uti that might have helped. I believe SIBO might be to blame. My first known positive Covid was may and I became allergic to wheat or gluten and red meat. When I stopped eating it things started getting better but the reflux was horrible. Pre and probiotics definitely helped

I had covid in January of 21. Very mild case with only fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath walking up stairs. Two to three weeks after I started experiencing significant bloating and belching as well as premature ventricular contractions. The bloating seemed to cause the pvcs. I am still suffering from bloating and pvcs. I have had a multitude of tests. Endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound of my entire stomach, stool tests, urine tests, SIBO breath test, etc. All tests were negative, except for a polyp on my gallbladder that my gastro Dr. isn’t concerned about. I have adjusted my diet significantly which has helped somewhat. So many Dr appointments and tests over the last year and a half. Diet suggestions -avoid anything fatty and fried, dairy, gluten, and sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, chicken, and wild game. An occasional beef filet doesn’t seem to bother me but a ribeye does.
I found an article written by a world renowned acupuncturist named Jill Blakemore. She helped a patient with my exact symptoms but is what pre-Covid. I reached out to her and have had a couple of telehealth appointments. I started going to a local acupuncturist and Jill communicated with her. However, the acupuncture didn’t seem to help. Jill also suggested a mixture of Chinese herbs that seemed to help my bloating significantly. Alternative treatments aren’t for everyone which I totally understand. For me I was at a point of desperation. And I can definitely say it helped. She changed the formula 3 different times as I improved and was hoping to help reduce/eliminate the pvcs. It did help with the pvcs but not as much as I would hope. Ultimately I would suggest Chinese Herbs after a consult with someone reputable. Unfortunately, I think (fingers crossed) it’s also a time thing. I am also doing pro and pre biotics. Still have issues but not every day so there are improvements. I also notice anxiety/stress causes me to bloat and have pvcs. Exercise will help your stomach as well and will help reduce any stress.

If anyone else has suggestions please post them for both bloating and pvcs.

Hope this is helpful.

I had covid in Nov.2021 and was hospitalized with acute respiratory failure. Antibiotics and steroids helped and I was home, on oxygen as needed after 3 days.

After 5 months of pulmonary rehabilitation my breathing and ability to do mild exercise has improved but I still have spasms of the diaphragm, acid reflux, bloating, unaccountable weight gain and vocal cord issues. All of these issues started after Covid.

Taking probiotics 3 times a day, DGL (a safe form of licorice root extract) 20 minutes before each meal, antacids as needed and a low acid diet has helped. I believe that diet is the most important factor. Some antacids will interfere with absorption of medications so it is very important to do the necessary research.

Exercise of core muscles also helps with reflux as this helps me to keep my sphincter working better and this does not have to be a difficult exercise to do. And, yes, anxiety does make reflux worse.

Thank you for your information on Chinese herbs. I will look into this.

@robintromp, in addition to the helpful replies from @burke5500 and @shawnasierra, you may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Covid Recovery: How can I manage GI issues? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-recovery-and-gi-pain/

I think I have it. I have a terrible time eating due to bloating , gas and generalized nausea. I am on an anti inflammatory diet, but with the medications I have been on, it’s not much better. Let me know if you discover anything that helps.

Same boat.
I had covid over Xmas. Months later, I’m now dealing w stomach issues of loss of appetite,rolling stomach EVERY DAY. I’m a male, weigh 190, earlier I lost 10 lbs!
That’s not good. I also may have had BRAIN FOG. I’m almost 60, and for a week or two thought I was starting dementia (?).
AND… lost my sense of smell to almost everything. But if they fix my stomach, I would be happy.
Just had blood work, stool sample…everything perfect.
Bleh…..so frustrating
***My symptoms also started 1 day after booster shot.
My wife believes this could all be in my head, lol.
Considering hypnosis, has anyone tried that?

I had covid in April 2022. The GI issues started about 3 1/2 months later. I've found that a low acid diet coupled with eating 5 small meals/snacks during the day have helped, though the pain and acid reflux still persist, but are less severe. I've been trying this for about a month and I hope with time to be pain- and acid reflux-free. One can only hope. Has anyone had their issues resolved completely through diet alone?

Not through diet alone but it seems to make a huge difference. Diet combined with DGL tablets have also made a remarkable difference. I now only use Tums occasionally (other antacids interfere with thyroid medication). Time helps but I’m not sure that reflux will ever be resolved.

Hi , I had gerd like symptoms from day one of omicron. It wasn’t typical heartburn where you feel the burn. Mine was like a chest tightness goin up my throat. I never had a lung issue( no cough) with covid and my heart is fine.I read about a clinical study which I did on my own it was 240 mg of famoddine( rx for pepcid)
80 mg 3 times a day for 14 days felt relief in 2 day. When I stopped I came back but it’s not as bad and I cut the dose
Down to 160 a day and add in a prontix ant- acid.some days are better than others .it might have to do with your vargus nerve or gut to brain
interaction. Good luck and feel better

I was actually taking 40 mg pepcid twice a day it helped. Don’t take it often now with the double probiotic and prebiotic with inulin to help balance gut flora.