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Covid-19 Has Been Linked To A Rise In These Common Digestive Issues

Covid-19 Has Been Linked To A Rise In These Common Digestive Issues
Not only did the pandemic appear to age our brains, but Covid-19 has also been linked to a rise in digestive issues.A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology unearthed a “significant” post-pandemic rise in digestive disorders.Researchers used Rome Foundation diagnostic tools to analyse nationally representative samples from both 2017 and 2023 (pre- and post-pandemic).They found, overall, disorders of gut-brain interaction increased from 38.3% to 42.6%.Rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rose by 28%, while functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion with no obvious cause) saw a nearly 44% increase, according to the study.Studies in adults have previously shown that the risk of developing new gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including IBS, ulcers and acid reflux is increased the year after catching Covid-19.Studies in children also found kids with previous Covid-19 infection had a 25-28% higher risk of developing new gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms than those who did not. What are the symptoms of functional dyspepsia?Dyspepsia describes a group of symptoms that come from a problem in the upper gut – it’s basically another term for indigestion and is usually characterised by pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.According to Bupa, around four in every 10 people in the UK get indigestion every year.Other symptoms include: bloating, burping, feeling full quickly after eating, feeling nauseous and vomiting.According to Patient.info, these symptoms are often related to eating and tend to come and go, rather than being present all the time.While dyspepsia can sometimes be caused by an ulcer or inflammation, functional dyspepsia is where there’s no known cause for the symptoms.What are the symptoms of IBS?Irritable bowel syndrome can trigger stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms are be triggered by food or drink.Bupa suggests around one in five adults in the UK have it, with women most impacted, however it notes it may be even more common, as not everyone gets medical help for their symptoms.Other signs of IBS include pooing mucus, tiredness, lack of energy, feeling sick, backache, bowel incontinence and farting.People with these symptoms for more than four weeks are advised to see a GP.Long Covid also has a bearing on these issuesPeople who developed long Covid – experiencing symptoms more than three months after infection – were “significantly” more likely to experience disorders of gut-brain interaction, according to the study.They also reported worse anxiety, depression, and quality of life.Symptoms typically associated with long Covid include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, dizziness and joint or muscle aches and pains. However it can also trigger digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Researchers said the study adds compelling evidence to the growing recognition of Covid-19’s long-term impact on gastrointestinal health and mental health.They said more research is needed exploring the gut-brain connection in the post-Covid era.Related...Apparently Covid Aged All Our Brains, Even If You Didn't Catch ItI Asked A GP How Often To Get Covid Boosters As Variants Hit The UKNew Covid Stratus Strain Is Dominant In The UK – Here's Its Most Unique Symptom

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