Is there a connection between COVID-19, long COVID, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, a growing body of research suggests that the virus may have long-term effects on the digestive system, particularly in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux.
Diagnosing GERD typically involves a doctor asking about symptoms, reviewing medical history, and potentially ordering tests such as upper GI endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, or upper GI series.
Current research indicates that COVID-19 infection is associated with an increased risk of developing GERD and acid reflux within a year after infection. People who had COVID-19 were found to have a 35% higher risk of acid reflux disease compared to those who were not infected, along with increased risks for gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
This long-term impact suggests that COVID-19 may affect gut function or the gut-brain axis, contributing to persistent or new digestive symptoms including heartburn. Studies have also shown a significant post-pandemic rise in gastrointestinal disorders related to gut-brain interaction, including IBS and functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion), with functional dyspepsia showing a nearly 44% increase after the pandemic.
It is important to distinguish these findings from unrelated research on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, which have also been linked to increased risk of GERD and its complications.
Digestive symptoms, such as lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, have been reported in people with COVID-19, but heartburn, reflux, or GERD have not been a common symptom. However, for more severe or persistent symptoms, a doctor may prescribe medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid, or suggest surgery if GERD is severe and other treatments have not worked.
In a 2021 study with 749 respondents, almost 3 in 10 reported gastrointestinal symptoms 6 months after COVID-19, with 16% reporting heartburn. If the symptoms do not go away, a person may have GERD or long COVID and GERD, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, sitting up after meals, avoiding eating before going to bed, sleeping on the left side with the head elevated, maintaining a moderate weight, eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy, minty, or high-fat foods, and avoiding very acidic foods may help to ease symptoms.
However, it is unclear if COVID-19 can directly trigger GERD. Some people report having GERD-like symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is unclear if the vaccine directly causes heartburn. On the other hand, there is no evidence suggesting that the COVID-19 vaccine causes long-term GERD.
Long COVID is a collection of symptoms that persist after COVID-19 is gone, and it can include digestive symptoms such as heartburn. Anxiety and depression are more common in those with GERD, suggesting a potential connection between mental health conditions and GERD development. Obesity and smoking are risk factors for both long COVID and GERD.
A 2022 study found that people who are genetically predisposed to developing acid reflux may be more vulnerable to COVID-19, with a 15% higher risk of severe illness. More research is necessary to understand the potential link between heartburn and long COVID.
If you experience chest pain or discomfort, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting or nausea, unexplained weight loss, black stool or vomit, which may indicate bleeding in the digestive tract, seek immediate medical care. People with long COVID and GERD symptoms that do not get better should speak with a doctor.
In summary, the main current understanding is that COVID-19 increases the risk of GERD and related acid reflux symptoms as part of a broader pattern of long-term gastrointestinal problems following infection. Further research is ongoing to clarify the mechanisms, but the evidence supports a notable post-COVID increase in these digestive disorders.
- A person with long COVID and GERD symptoms that persist may benefit from lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and altering sleeping positions, to help manage symptoms.
- Some studies suggest a connection between mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and an increased risk of developing GERD.
- In some cases, people who are genetically predisposed to developing acid reflux may be more susceptible to COVID-19, with a higher risk of severe illness.
- Symptoms of heartburn, reflux, or GERD have not been commonly reported in people with COVID-19, but more severe or persistent symptoms may require medication or even surgery.
- A growing body of research indicates that COVID-19 may have long-term effects on the digestive system, with a significant increase in the development of GERD and acid reflux within a year after infection, as well as an associated rise in other gastrointestinal disorders.
%3F){kind=link}