There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. The gastrointestinal system is one of the 11 organ systems in the human body. It is mainly responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, playing a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis.
COVID-19 can cause unusual gastrointestinal symptoms as well as impose some long-term symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, acid reflux, and diarrhoea. These symptoms are common in patients and can be treated with some simple medications and changes to the diet.
Loss of appetite
Many people who have been ill with COVID have lost their appetite. This might be because you have been very unwell or because you have lost your sense of smell or taste and food isn’t so enjoyable. The following link will give you more information to support your diet and appetite
COVID in last 4 weeks Eating well – Your COVID Recovery
Acid Reflux/Indigestion
The medications used to help reduced these symptoms are; Gaviscon taken regularly throughout the day if required. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, these can be Omeprazole and Lansoprazole and are taken on a daily basis. It maybe necessary to have a test prior to commencing on the treatment – Your Clinician will advise you if this is needed. For further information, view Heartburn and acid reflux on the NHS website.
Diarrhoea
There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gastrointestinal symptoms during and after COVID-19 Infection
These can be because of your liver function being affected. It has been described that enteric pathogens (causes of gastroenteritis) may trigger a post infective irritable bowel syndrome. You can look at the FODMAP diet (PDF) which will help see what the trigger maybe that are causing your symptoms.