In the long run, COVID affects the gut system in several debilitating ways. Loss of appetite, nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, abdominal distension, belching, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloody stools are seen among COVID long-haulers.
In a study of 117 participants, loss of appetite was reported to be one of the most common signs of long COVID followed by acid reflux and diarrhea. These symptoms were reported 3 months after the COVID infection.
Apart from these symptoms, people with severe COVID-19 can develop gastrointestinal complications, such as acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, ileus and feeding tolerance, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, and mesenteric ischemia.