According to a study carried out to explore COVID-19's long-term gastrointestinal (GI) effects, COVID-19 can trigger diseases of the gut-brain interaction, encompassing post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With long COVID, sometimes called post-acute SARS-CoV-2 syndrome, GI symptoms are frequent. In the survey of 749 coronavirus disease survivors, 29% reported having at least 1 novel chronic GI symptom. Heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, and stomach pain were the most prevalent symptoms reported.

Overall, 39% of patients with stomach pain also exhibited IBS symptoms, according to the Rome IV criteria. Estimates of occurrence of GI symptoms with coronavirus disease have ranged as high as 60%. Furthermore, the symptoms might be present in people with long COVID, a syndrome that persists for four weeks or greater. Following the initial coronavirus infection, those who have GI symptoms are more plausibly to have them with long COVID. GI symptoms can be predicted by the loss of taste and smell, hospitalization, and psychiatric diagnosis. The risk of gut-brain interaction disorders, particularly postinfection IBS, is increased by infectious gastroenteritis.

There are various ways through which coronavirus elicits GI symptoms. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which defends intestinal cells, may be suppressed. The microbiome may be changed. SARS-CoV-2 can trigger or exacerbate diabetes and weight gain. It could interfere with the immune system and cause an autoimmune reaction. It can change dietary patterns, and provoke depression and anxiety. Since long COVID's GI symptoms are not yet specifically treated, practitioners are advised to employ established treatments for gut-brain interaction disorders instead.

These may include elimination diets, low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), or high-fiber in addition to getting enough sleep and exercising. Bile acid sequestrants, Rifaximin, Antispasmodics, Alosetron, Ondansetron, Loperamide, and Eluxadoline were listed as being effective for treating diarrhoea. Prucalopride, Tegaserod, Tenapanor, Plecanatide, Linaclotide, Polyethylene glycol, Supplemental fibre, and Lubiprostone are all recommended for constipation.

Glutamine is advised for regulating intestinal permeability. Delta ligands, Azaperones, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and Tricyclic antidepressants can all be used for neuromodulation. Gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral treatment are suggested for psychological therapy. A few studies have suggested the advantages of probiotic treatments using Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. A high-fiber formulation exhibited beneficial effects in one trial, possibly by feeding bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.