With active COVID-19 cases crossing the 7,300 mark and the death toll rising to 11, it’s once again time to reach for our masks and sanitizers. While we’ve grown familiar with the usual symptoms—fever, cough, and sore throat—doctors are now sounding the alarm over a new set of symptoms affecting a different part of the body: the gut.
According to recent reports, the latest COVID-19 strain appears to affect the digestive system, leading to persistent gastrointestinal issues. This means that even after testing negative, many patients are experiencing stomach-related problems for weeks, and in some cases, even months after recovery.
🗣️ "We’re seeing a surge in patients dealing with unexplained digestive discomfort post-COVID. The virus is impacting the gut, not just the lungs," says Dr. Ashish Gautam, Senior Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi.
How Does COVID-19 Affect the Gut?
This strain of the virus may enter the digestive tract and damage the gut lining, which disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, causes inflammation, and leads to poor digestion. What’s worrying is that these issues often appear after respiratory symptoms have cleared—catching many by surprise.
7 Common Digestive Symptoms to Watch Post COVID-19:
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Stomach pain
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Bloating or excessive gas
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Diarrhea
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Nausea or vomiting
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Constipation
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Acid reflux or persistent acidity
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Loss of appetite
These symptoms may seem minor at first, but can linger for weeks—and for some individuals, they may develop into long-term digestive disorders.
What You Can Do:
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Don’t ignore digestive symptoms, even if you’ve already recovered from COVID-19.
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Consult a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist beyond a week.
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Focus on a gut-friendly diet, rich in fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics.
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Avoid self-medicating with antacids or laxatives without medical advice.
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