COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise across India. Several cities have reported a steady increase in active cases over the past few weeks. While most people are recovering at home with mild symptoms, doctors are now warning about a lesser-known problem: gut health issues after COVID-19.
It’s not just cough and fever anymore. Many people are experiencing digestive problems weeks, or even months after they’ve tested negative for COVID-19. From stomach pain and bloating to long-term issues like diarrhoea and acidity, these symptoms are becoming more common.
“After COVID, we’re seeing more patients with unexplained stomach issues that don’t go away easily,” says Dr. Ashish Gautam, Senior Director, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi. “The virus can affect your gut, not just your lungs,” he further said.
How COVID-19 affects your gut
COVID-19 can enter the stomach and intestines and damage the gut lining. This leads to inflammation, poor digestion, and changes in gut bacteria.
“People often think COVID-19 is over once the fever and cough go away. But for many, stomach-related symptoms start showing up later,” says Dr. Deepakkumar Gupta, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Common post-COVID-19 stomach symptoms include:
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Acidity or acid reflux
- Loss of appetite
These issues can last for weeks or months. In some people, they can even become long-term problems.
Why do gut problems happen after COVID-19?
The virus that causes COVID-19 can attack the cells in your digestive system. It also affects the good bacteria in your stomach, leading to an imbalance, called dysbiosis.
“We have seen people come in with ongoing diarrhoea or bloating long after their COVID-19 test turned negative,” says Dr. Gautam. “In some cases, it looks like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or acidity, even if they never had these issues before.”
Other problems include:
- Post-infectious IBS: Constant loose motion or pain.
- Gastroparesis: Food stays longer in the stomach, causing heaviness.
- Liver and pancreas problems: Some people have high liver enzymes, fatty liver, or poor digestion due to low enzyme production.
- Blood clots: Rare but serious, causing stomach pain and needing emergency care.
“Even mild cases of COVID can sometimes cause such symptoms. And if the person already had stomach issues, things can get worse,” says Dr. Gupta.
Stress makes it worse
Doctors also believe that stress during or after COVID-19 adds to the problem. Long hospital stays, medications, fear of the illness, and prolonged periods of staying indoors can disrupt the gut-brain connection.
“The brain and stomach are linked. Anxiety and stress can slow digestion or make the stomach more sensitive,” says Dr. Gupta.
When to worry?
Most post-COVID-19 stomach problems are not dangerous and go away with time. But doctors advise you must see a doctor if you notice:
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Severe bloating or vomiting
- Appetite loss for more than a week
Tests like ultrasound, stool analysis, or endoscopy might be needed to find the cause.
How to improve gut health after COVID-19
Experts suggest simple steps to help your stomach heal:
1. Eat a fibre-rich diet
“Have more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid spicy and oily food,” says Dr. Gautam.
2. Include probiotics
“Curd, fermented food, or probiotic supplements help bring back good bacteria,” says Dr. Gupta.
3. Drink enough water
Aim for at least 2 to 3 litres a day to keep digestion smooth.
4. Manage stress
Practice deep breathing, light yoga, or meditation to stay calm.
5. Avoid self-medication
Taking antacids or other medicines without advice may hide the real problem.
“We are now treating more patients for digestive problems caused by COVID-19 than ever before,” says Dr. Gautam.
“If your digestion has changed since COVID-19, you should not ignore it. These are real symptoms that need attention,” adds Dr. Gupta.
COVID-19 may leave, but the gut trouble might stay
As India deals with a new wave of COVID-19, it’s important to be alert not just about cough and fever but also about what’s going on in your stomach.
“Recovery is not just about testing negative,” says Dr. Gupta. “It’s about feeling completely normal again—including your digestion.”
If your gut doesn’t feel right even weeks after recovery, listen to your body and visit a doctor. A healthy stomach is key to feeling better and getting back to normal life.
