When we hear the word Covid, we all think of fever, cough, sore throat , and difficulty breathing. But did you know that some people who contract the Covid virus may also experience digestive symptoms like stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea? In fact, for some people, these are the first signs of Covid infection. For others, these may be the only symptoms. So, let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
Why does Covid cause digestive system symptoms?
Simply put, when a virus enters our bodies, it does so by destroying healthy cells and making billions of copies of itself. The virus that causes Covid mainly attacks the cells in our respiratory tract. That's why we have difficulty breathing, sometimes leading to conditions like pneumonia.
But researchers have found that this virus can damage our digestive system and liver. Think of it like a key fitting a lock, this virus attaches to specific receptors in our lungs. Surprisingly, these same receptors are also found in our intestines.
So when the Covid virus attaches to these receptors in the gut, our bodies release chemicals that cause inflammation. These chemicals attack the protective lining around our stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. That damage is what causes us to have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Importantly, when stool samples are tested from people with digestive symptoms, they are more likely to contain RNA fragments of the coronavirus (`SARS-CoV-2 RNA`). They also take longer to completely clear the virus from their bodies, compared to others.
Common COVID-related stomach upsets
There are several digestive symptoms that come with COVID. Let's look at them one by one.
Stomach ache caused by Covid
Although not as common as diarrhea and nausea, stomach cramps can also occur with COVID. This is often caused by inflammation in the intestines caused by the infection. Sometimes, stomach cramps are seen in people with severe COVID infections.
Another possible cause is liver damage caused by the virus. Liver damage can be serious, so if you have any of the following symptoms along with your stomach ache, be sure to see a doctor for a checkup.
| Symptoms that may suggest liver damage | |
|---|---|
| Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) | Dark-colored urine |
| Fever | Excessive body fatigue |
| Weight loss without any reason | Nausea and vomiting |
Covid and Diarrhea
Nearly half of people with COVID-19 experience diarrhea, or loose stools. This also affects about 30% of people with "Long COVID." According to researchers, diarrhea may be a sign that your infection will take longer to heal.
I think there are two main reasons for this:
1. The virus directly infects intestinal cells.
2. Inflammation caused by Covid irritates the intestines.
Additionally, diarrhea can also be a side effect of some antibiotics and antiviral medications used to treat COVID. This condition usually resolves within two to six days, but can sometimes be severe. If diarrhea causes dehydration , hospitalization and saline may be necessary.
Covid and Nausea/Vomiting
About one in five people infected with COVID-19 experience nausea and vomiting. Scientists believe that when the virus attacks the digestive system, the hormones and chemicals it releases stimulate the vagus nerve, which carries information to our brain. The signals from this nerve to the brain are what cause the nausea. But this also usually resolves within a few days.
"Long Covid" and the digestive system
"Long COVID" refers to symptoms that persist for three months or more after being infected with COVID. The most common symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, changes in heart rate, and memory and attention problems (brain fog). However, some people also experience digestive symptoms such as persistent diarrhea and stomach cramps .
Although the exact cause is not yet known, experts believe that the virus disrupts brain-gut communication. Changes in this communication can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.
How to manage COVID-related stomach upset?
Don't assume that you have COVID just because you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. But during this pandemic, it's wise to pay close attention to these symptoms, especially if you have another chronic illness.
- Stay home: Most people infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms that resolve without treatment. Therefore, avoid going out except for essential needs, such as medical care.
- Separate room and bathroom: If possible, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, as the virus can also be spread through feces.
- Wash your hands often: Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best thing to do. Especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and before preparing food. The second best thing is to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep things clean: Regularly disinfect surfaces you touch frequently, such as toilet seats and flush handles, doorknobs, phones, and counters.
| Symptom | Home remedies |
|---|---|
| Nausea and vomiting | Drink as much water and fluids (such as juices) as possible. Don't eat too much at once, eat small meals. If you have trouble with the smell of hot food, eat cool or cold food. |
| Diarrhea | Drink plenty of water, soup, porridge, orange juice, etc. to prevent dehydration. Eat a bland diet such as bananas, rice, bread, and boiled potatoes. Take medications for diarrhea only on the advice of your doctor. |
| Appetite | Even if you don't feel like eating, try to eat a small amount of nutritious food to maintain your energy. Things like fruit juice and soup can help. |
When should you see a doctor?
If your stomach upset is something like simple food poisoning, you should usually feel better within 48 hours. Otherwise, it's a good idea to see a doctor. It could be an early sign of COVID.
See your doctor immediately in the following cases:
- If you are dehydrated: symptoms such as dark urine, extreme weakness, dry mouth and tongue, and dizziness.
- If you have blood in your stool, black stools, or severe stomach pain .
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing .
If you have chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
If a young child has diarrhea or a fever, seek medical advice without delay.
Take-Home Message
- In addition to respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 infection can also cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
- Many of these symptoms can be managed at home by drinking plenty of fluids and eating easily digestible foods.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as dehydration, blood in your stool, severe stomach pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice without delay.
- If you have any concerns, or if symptoms do not improve within a few days, it is very important to talk to your doctor.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment