Covid can raise risk of liver problems, acid reflux, ulcers: Study

by IANS |

New York, March 8 (IANS) People who have had Covid-19 are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as liver problems, acute pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and ulcers, within a year after infection compared with people who haven't been infected, according to a study.

People infected with Covid can also see an increased likelihood of constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and vomiting.

"Gastrointestinal problems were among the first that were reported by the patient community," senior author Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University said. "It is increasingly clear that the GI tract serves as a reservoir for the virus."

The gastrointestinal system includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus, as well as organs, such as the liver and pancreas, that produce enzymes to aid in the digestion of food and liquids.

For the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers analysed about 14 million medical records.

They found that GI disorders were 36 per cent more likely in people with Covid-19 compared with those who had not been infected with the virus. This includes people who were and were not hospitalised because of the virus.

Further, people who had Covid were also at a 62 per cent increased risk of developing ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine; a 35 per cent heightened risk of suffering from acid reflux disease; and a 46 per cent increased risk of experiencing acute pancreatitis.

Covid patients were also 54 per cent more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, 47 per cent more likely to experience inflammation of the stomach lining, and 36 per cent more likely to have an upset stomach without an obvious cause.

Similarly, those who had Covid-19 were 54 per cent more likely to experience digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting and abdominal pain, the findings showed.

The researchers estimate that, so far, infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 have contributed to 42 million new cases worldwide.

"This is no small number, Al-Aly said. "It is crucial to include GI health as an integral part of post-acute Covid care."

Latest News
ChatGPT, electronic devices used to cheat in TSPSC exams Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:51 PM
Tea, chia seeds, apples & dark chocolate may keep age-related memory loss at bay Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:47 PM
Amit Shah likely to chair all-party meeting in Manipur Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:42 PM
Domestic financial markets remained orderly in 2022-23, says RBI annual report Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:31 PM
Yemen's Houthis accuse Saudi border guards of killing 2 civilians Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:26 PM
Amit Shah likely to chair all-party meeting in Manipur Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:23 PM
Goa to prepare 'Vision Document' for next 25 yrs: CM Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:15 PM
Electric-2 wheeler that charges within 12 minutes arrives in India Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:58 AM
IPL 2023: 'I couldn't be more happy, he is a gun player', CSK coach hails Jadeja for match-winning performance Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:52 AM
Delhi High Court dismisses Manish Sisodia's bail plea in excise policy case Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:38 AM
Kerala CPI(M) begins probe into CITU leader's spouse buying Rs 50L MINI Cooper Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:29 AM
Cambodian King Sihamoni gets ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:17 AM
Imran Khan called for questioning over attack on Lahore Corps Commander House Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:14 AM
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls for early general election Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:03 AM
Karnataka RTI activist death case handed over to CID Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:01 AM