Fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath are not the only symptoms of COVID-19 infection, although they are the most common. In addition to the classic symptoms of infection and the general symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, various new manifestations of the infection have been documented in recent months.
Most of these newly attributed symptoms occur relatively rarely, but this is not the case for gastrointestinal manifestations. In the first studies from China, the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms was reported in only 2–7% of patients, which is why these symptoms have received little media attention in connection with COVID-19 infection. However, based on new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms in symptomatic patients is much higher. Among more than 370,000 symptomatic patients, diarrhea was the most common gastrointestinal symptom, occurring in 19.3% of patients, followed by nausea and vomiting in 11.5%, while abdominal pain was the least common at 7.6%. Overall, the occurrence of at least one gastrointestinal symptom has been reported in various recent studies to range between 20–50%.
By comparison, the highly publicized loss of smell or taste occurred in only 8.3% of patients. These gastrointestinal symptoms may occur together with the classic symptoms, but they can also appear as the only signs of the disease. Particularly in children, gastrointestinal symptoms may be the sole manifestation of COVID-19 infection. In cases of diarrhea, it is usually possible to isolate the virus’s genetic material in stool samples using PCR tests. Therefore, it is highly likely that the virus is also capable of replicating in the intestinal tract and may be transmitted via the fecal–oral route.
Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain are often present before respiratory symptoms manifest. If these symptoms occur, it is important to pay attention to them, especially diarrhea, which is the most common serious symptom of the disease.
Why is it important to address diarrhea during COVID-19 infection?
For anyone, diarrhea is a very unpleasant condition. When someone suffers from diarrhea, the body’s ability to maintain a balance of water and minerals is disrupted, often leading to dehydration.
Dehydration then affects the person’s overall condition and, in combination with more severe manifestations of the infection, such as pneumonia, can significantly worsen the patient’s state.
The best way to treat diarrhea is proper rehydration. Various rehydration solutions are available for this purpose, containing minerals and other substances in the correct proportions. In adults, mineral water, juices, and similar fluids are usually sufficient.
It is also advisable to treat the diarrhea itself and not only the dehydration and mineral loss. For this purpose, the oral enterosorbent ENTEROSGEL® can be used. ENTEROSGEL® binds various harmful substances in the intestines and reduces the frequency and duration of diarrhea. Because it is not absorbed into the body, it is considered very safe. If diarrhea lasts more than two days or if adequate fluid intake cannot be maintained, it is necessary to contact a doctor.
Sources:
Stokes, Erin K., et al. "Coronavirus disease 2019 case surveillance—United States, January 22–May 30, 2020." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 69.24 (2020): 759.
de Moura, Diogo Turiani Hourneaux, et al. "Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Associated Health Outcomes of COVID-19: A Brazilian Experience From the Largest South American Public Hospital." Clinics 75 (2020).
Tian, Yuan, et al. "gastrointestinal features in COVID‐19 and the possibility of faecal transmission." Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 51.9 (2020): 843-851.