Pandemic Linked to Surge in IBS and Chronic Constipation, Study Finds

A recent study has revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation among adults in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the dual impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and pandemic-related stress on gut health.

Researchers found that the national rate of IBS nearly doubled over a two-year period, rising from 6.1% in May 2020 to 11.0% by May 2022. Chronic idiopathic constipation also saw a statistically significant, though smaller, increase from 6.0% to 6.4% during the same period1. The study, published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, involved online surveys of more than 160,000 adults using validated diagnostic questionnaires.

Dr. Christopher V. Almario, the study’s lead author and a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explained that both direct effects of COVID-19 infection and the psychological stress of pandemic life contributed to these trends. “COVID infection itself can definitely cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain — and for some people, those symptoms can linger and lead to chronic conditions like IBS,” Almario told Medscape Medical News. He added that “the stress of living through the pandemic — lockdowns, fear, isolation — also likely played a major role as well in the increased prevalence of digestive disorders. Both the infection itself and the psychological toll of the pandemic can disrupt the gut-brain axis and trigger chronic digestive disorders like IBS”.

The study also noted that disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), which include IBS and chronic idiopathic constipation, are already highly prevalent, with research showing nearly 40% of people in the US meeting criteria for at least one such disorder.

While only about 9% of survey respondents reported a positive COVID-19 test at the time of the surveys, Almario suggested this likely underestimates the true rate of infection, especially in the pandemic’s early months. He also noted that a separate, ongoing study is examining the risk of digestive disorders in people with confirmed COVID-19 infection, with early results indicating an increased risk for conditions like IBS and functional dyspepsia.

The findings underscore the growing healthcare and economic burden of DGBIs in the post-pandemic era and highlight the challenge for healthcare systems already facing shortages of primary care physicians and gastroenterologists, who are primarily responsible for managing these complex conditions.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on preliminary research findings and expert commentary as reported by Medscape. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.