New research reveals a dramatic surge in gut-brain disorders across the UK and the US following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive surveys comparing pre-pandemic data from 2017 with post-pandemic findings from 2023 demonstrate that prevalence has jumped from 38 per cent to 47 per cent of adults.
The study examined over 8,000 participants across both time periods, employing diagnostic questionnaires to assess conditions affecting the digestive system's connection to the brain.
These disorders encompass various gastrointestinal complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.
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|The disorders include irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia
The findings represent a significant public health shift, with nearly half of adults now experiencing these debilitating conditions.
Specific digestive conditions have experienced particularly sharp increases.
Functional dyspepsia, characterised by persistent stomach discomfort and early fullness, surged by nearly 44 per cent from 8 per cent to 12 per cent of the population.
Irritable bowel syndrome climbed by 28 per cent, rising from 5 per cent to 6 per cent prevalence. The research identified increases across multiple digestive system domains, with gastroduodenal disorders showing the steepest rise at 45 per cent.
These increases affected both sexes equally and spanned every adult age bracket. The comprehensive nature of the rise suggests a widespread phenomenon rather than isolated demographic impacts.
Sheffield-based gastroenterologist Dr Imran Aziz highlighted the importance that medical professionals recognise these digestive conditions as components of long COVID.
"Healthcare providers should recognise post-COVID DGBI as part of the long COVID spectrum. These post-COVID gut problems appear more severe and require more medical care than similar pre-pandemic conditions," he stated.
Dr Aziz, who serves as an honorary consultant gastroenterologist and senior clinical lecturer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield, led the comprehensive research.
His team's analysis indicates that patients experiencing these post-pandemic digestive issues face greater symptom severity than those with comparable conditions before 2020.
The research identifies multiple mechanisms behind this surge. Direct SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the gastrointestinal tract, whilst pandemic-related psychological stress compounds the problem.
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|The post-COVID gut problems appear more severe than similar pre-pandemic conditions
"In this study, we found that COVID-viral related factors contributing to DGBI include the number of infections, abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea during COVID-19 infection, and long COVID," Dr Aziz explained.
The team also documented heightened mood disturbances amongst sufferers in the post-pandemic period.
Treatment requires comprehensive approaches addressing both digestive symptoms and psychological well-being.
"It's also important to take a holistic approach. This means addressing not just the gut symptoms but also any accompanying mood disturbances," Dr Aziz advised.