The situation of Corona around the world seems to be quite controlled at present. Due to Omicron's JN.1 sub-variant, the sudden increase in infection in many countries has been controlled. Recent studies regarding Corona have shown that due to new variants, the rate of infection may increase but the risk of serious diseases among the infected has reduced with time. However, some studies have been continuously alerting about the danger of Long Covid caused by Corona infection. The problem of post-Covid or long Covid can last from a few months to a year.
In a recent study conducted on Corona and the health problems caused by it, researchers said that till now concerns were being raised about heart disease and brain problems in post-Covid, although its risks are not limited to this. Due to the long-term side effects of Corona, digestive problems are also being seen in a large number of people.
Digestive disorders due to Covid-19
In this study published in the BMC Medicine Journal, the team of researchers said that after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, serious digestive problems have been seen increasing in a large number of people. The study findings showed an increased risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to corona infection. If these problems are not diagnosed or treated on time, there can be a risk of serious disorders.
Health experts have said that people who have been victims of infection should get treatment for these problems as a precaution.
Problems even in people with mild symptoms
Researchers said, most people have believed that the severe condition of Covid only increases the side effects of Long Covid, but recent research makes it clear that even mild corona infections may be associated with a higher risk of digestive disorders. The study showed that people had a higher risk of peptic ulcer, liver disease, gallbladder disease, and pancreatic-related problems for 6 months after recovering from the infection. The risk of GERD and GI dysfunction has been observed for at least one year.
People who had COVID-19 more than once were more than twice as likely to develop pancreatic disease as people who had never had the infection.
What did the study find?
The study sought to understand how often people experienced digestive disorders more than a month after being infected.
Researchers included 112,000 people with Covid-19 infection in the study. Data were analyzed for infections from the beginning of the pandemic to October 2022. The team compared the rates of post-Covid digestive problems among more than 350,000 people. It was found that after COVID-19, there was a risk of GERD in 41 percent of people, GI dysfunction in 38 percent of people, pancreatic disease in 36 percent of people and a risk of liver-related problems in 35 percent people.
What is the conclusion of the research?
The study concludes that it is not entirely clear how COVID-19 causes digestive diseases, although the number of digestive side effects being observed is certainly a cause for concern. Health experts say that even if one has been suffering from mild symptoms of COVID-19, everyone should remain alert about the risks of post-COVID. Corona infection has also been seen to increase problems for many other body parts including the heart, lungs, brain.
(PC: iStock)
