How does long COVID impact gut health?

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COVID-19 particles can infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, triggering abdominal pain and diarrhoea, which may clear up as people recover.

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Long COVID can cause chronic diarrhoea and abdominal pain, along with other symptoms like fatigue, breathing issues, heart rhythm changes, and muscle pain.

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It is possible for chronic gut problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to occur after a COVID-19 infection.

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IBS can develop after gastroenteritis, shedding light on why chronic gut symptoms may occur following COVID-19 infection.

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Infections can alter gut-brain signalling, affecting the network of nerves controlling communication between gut parts.

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Infections in the gut can lead to disordered gut-brain interactions (DGBIs) like IBS by causing a change in gut-brain signalling, persisting even after the infection is gone.

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Long COVID may cause chronic gut problems lasting six months or longer, supported by increasing evidence.

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If you have chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements after COVID-19, consult your doctor to rule out other conditions and consider long COVID.

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It's important to seek help if severe pain or changes in bowel movements are affecting your quality of life or daily activities.

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Your doctor may refer you to a GI specialist for treatments as research continues to explore the links between long COVID and gut health.

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