The disease caused by the coronavirus, which first appeared in China in December 2019 and causes severe respiratory failure, continues to be the number one health problem worldwide.
A significant majority of patients apply to health institutions with digestive system problems and diarrhea complaints. Because Covid-19 can have negative effects on many systems in the body, as well as on stomach and intestinal health. Memorial Kayseri Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Kaplan gave information about the digestive system problems caused by the coronavirus.
Coronavirus affects body systems one by one
The digestive system is a collection of organs that allows nutrients to be broken down in the body and excreted unused parts. Problems affecting the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus are digestive system disease. Infection caused by coronavirus is a disease that affects many systems in the body. Although it is seen as an infection that concerns the respiratory system such as shortness of breath, cough, sore throat and fever at the beginning of the discomfort, it has been understood over time that it is not just that way.
The virus is multiplying in the intestines
The coronavirus is one of the most affected systems in the body, the digestive system. Diarrhea may develop in the digestive system due to viral and bacterial infections. Some patients apply to health institutions with diarrhea complaints, and even some patients are found to have Covid when the diarrhea symptom is investigated. Studies have shown that coranavirus has the ability to reproduce in the intestines and disrupts the absorbent structures in the small intestines. It has been observed that the virus causes the disruption of the amino acid structure taken with food in the intestines. The most common symptom of onset in these patients is the loss of smell and taste, which lasts almost a month, sometimes longer. Based on the complaints of nausea, vomiting and weakness that do not go away, it is clarified that the patients are Covid positive by taking either a blood test or a chest tomography.
Complaints caused by drugs are temporary
As is known, the drugs used in the treatment of the disease caused by the coronavirus are started at high doses to reduce the severity of the disease and this drug is given to patients for up to a week. Recent studies have determined that one of the most effective treatments for this disease is this anti-viral drug. One of the most known effects of the drug is that it increases gastrointestinal complaints and increases the values that will appear in liver tests. In some patients using this drug, these values increase up to 10 times, but usually resolve rapidly. A small amount of liver enzyme elevation is observed in 3 out of 1 patients, but it has not been proven to cause liver failure and jaundice. In addition, the coronavirus itself can cause indigestion and stomach pain called 'dyspepsia'. Since there may be a risk of clotting in patients after recovery, aspirin or blood thinners, which can sometimes touch the stomach.
If the complaints are severe, stomach protective drugs should be given.
People who survived the disease; He applies to emergency services and gastroenterology departments of hospitals with complaints such as stomach pain, indigestion and nausea. Patients should be advised that this condition is temporary. Patients with severe complaints should be given gastric protective drugs and drugs that regulate bowel movements. If this discomfort continues, endoscopy may be recommended. If there is weight loss, oral or rectal bleeding, sensation in the throat, gastric cancer in the family, endoscopy should be recommended immediately.
Healthy eating is very important
A balanced nutrition program with the right foods should be applied throughout the disease. Drink plenty of water during the day and care should be taken to consume additive-free natural foods. An appropriate planning can be made in consultation with the doctor about nutrition.
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