{"id":43556,"date":"2025-08-04T16:00:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/43556\/"},"modified":"2025-08-04T16:00:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:00:11","slug":"scientists-pick-up-massive-surge-in-painful-gut-disorder-and-they-think-its-linked-to-a-virus-that-has-touched-almost-everyones-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/43556\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists pick up massive surge in painful gut disorder – and they think it’s linked to a virus that has touched almost everyone’s life"},"content":{"rendered":"

By ELEN JOHNSTON – HEALTH REPORTER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 07:22 EDT, 4 August 2025 | Updated: 07:26 EDT, 4 August 2025 <\/p>\n

A new study has revealed a post-pandemic surge in gut-brain related disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).<\/p>\n

The researchers compared data from the UK and US before the pandemic in 2017, and after the pandemic in 2023.<\/p>\n

They found a sharp 28 per cent increase from 4.7 to six per cent in cases of IBS which can cause stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n

This troublesome condition is classified as a gut-brain interaction disorder because it is rooted in problems with the gut communicating with the brain.<\/p>\n

There was also a 44 per cent rise from 8.3 to 11.9 per cent in functional dyspepsia\u2014which causes stomach aches, bloating and premature feeling of fullness.<\/p>\n

Those with Long Covid\u2014fatigue, breathlessness and muscle weakness triggered by the virus\u2014were significantly more likely to have a gut-brain disorder.<\/p>\n

Worryingly those with the debilitating condition Long Covid also reported worse anxiety, depression and quality of life.<\/p>\n

Their recent findings were published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The researchers found a sharp increase in gut-brain disorders after the pandemic, particularly in those suffering from Long Covid<\/p>\n

It is estimated that since the pandemic began, nearly two million people in the UK have experienced Long Covid.<\/p>\n

This includes 1.3 million people with symptoms lasting for more than a year and 762,000 with symptoms lasting more than two years.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, experts said they finally discovered the cause of Long Covid\u2014and it is linked to dementia.<\/p>\n

Those suffering from Long Covid<\/a> have suffered unique changes to their brains which can make it harder to think and speak.<\/p>\n

The previous study<\/a> found they have fewer protective proteins in their brains and higher levels of inflammation\u2014both of which have been linked to dementia.<\/p>\n

Long Covid patients also perform worse in language tests, such as finding the right word or understanding what certain words mean, which can be signs of brain fog.<\/p>\n

The study suggested, for the first time, that damage to the brain, rather than a ramped up immune system, causes the symptoms of Long Covid.<\/p>\n

Though the study included just 17 people, the researchers planned to use the findings to launch larger-scale studies to find the causes of Long Covid.<\/p>\n

The recent findings also follow a warning from experts that the virus may also dramatically raise the risk of dementia.<\/p>\n

Previously, US researchers<\/a>\u00a0found those suffering from Long Covid may be five times more likely to get the memory-robbing illness.<\/p>\n

Dr Gabriel de Erausquin, a neurologist at University of Texas Health San Antonio is exploring the link.<\/p>\n

The existing studies show those over 57 who’ve suffered Long Covid ‘have the profile of a person with very early Alzheimer’s’, he told the Wall Street Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And worryingly he added: ‘It doesn’t look like in older adults that this is a reversible process.’<\/p>\n

What is Long Covid?\u00a0 <\/p>\n

According to the NHS, if someone continues to have symptoms 12 weeks after being infected, they may be suffering from Long Covid.<\/p>\n

The most common symptoms include:<\/p>\n

Extreme tiredness (fatigue)Feeling short of breathMemory and concentration difficulties i.e. ‘brain fog’DizzinessHeart palpitationsMuscle aches and joint pains<\/p>\n

However, others also include:<\/p>\n

Loss of smellDifficulties sleepingChest tightness or painAnxiety and depressionPins and needlesTinnitus and\/or earachesNausea, stomach aches, diarrhoea and loss of appetiteA persistent cough or sore throatHeadachesRashes <\/p>\n

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