Development and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in long-term COVID-19
Kai-Yue He1, Xin-Yuan Lei1, Lei Zhang1
1School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
Background:
Emerging evidence reveals that SARS-CoV-2 possesses the capability to disrupt the gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis, resulting in the long-term symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, and nausea. In the current review, we summarized recent reports regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID) on the gastrointestine.
Objective:
To provide a narrative review of abundant clinical evidence regarding the development and management of long-term GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Results:
Long-term persistent digestive symptoms are exhibited in a majority of long-COVID patients. SARS-CoV-2 infection of intestinal epithelial cells, cytokine storm, gut dysbiosis, therapeutic drugs, psychological factors and exacerbation of primary underlying diseases lead to long-term GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Interventions like probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and antibiotics are proved to be beneficial in preserving intestinal microecological homeostasis and alleviating GI symptoms.
Conclusion:
Timely diagnosis and treatment of GI symptoms in long-COVID patients hold great significance as they may contribute to the mitigation of severe conditions and ultimately lead to the improvement of outcomes of the patients.
Insights
Long COVID can cause persistent gastrointestinal issues. Treatments like probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation show promise in managing these digestive symptoms and restoring gut health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis.
- Long COVID is associated with persistent GI symptoms including appetite loss, diarrhea, reflux, and nausea.
- This review focuses on long-term GI effects of COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical evidence on the development of long-term GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
- To summarize management strategies for these persistent digestive issues.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of recent clinical reports.
- Synthesis of data on long-term gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19.
Main Results:
- A majority of long COVID patients experience persistent digestive symptoms.
- Mechanisms include viral infection, cytokine storm, gut dysbiosis, medications, and psychological factors.
- Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and antibiotics aid in restoring gut homeostasis and alleviating symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Effective diagnosis and treatment of GI symptoms in long COVID are crucial.
- Addressing these symptoms can mitigate disease severity and improve patient outcomes.
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