Latest news with #DGBI
Medscape
01-08-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Gut-Brain Disorders Surge After Pandemic
There's been a striking rise in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, since the COVID-19 pandemic, new survey data from the UK and the US showed. 'Healthcare providers should recognize post-COVID DGBI as part of the long COVID spectrum. These post-COVID gut problems appear more severe and require more medical care than similar pre-pandemic conditions,' Imran Aziz, MBChB, MD, honorary consultant gastroenterologist and senior clinical lecturer, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, told Medscape Medical News . Aziz and colleagues surveyed a nationally representative sample of 4050 adults in the UK and the US in 2017 (pre-pandemic) and repeated the survey in 4002 adults in 2023 (post-pandemic). The surveys included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for DGBI and questions about nongastrointestinal somatic symptoms, anxiety and depression, quality of life, and healthcare use. The 2023 survey also asked about COVID-19 infection and illness history. The overall prevalence of DGBI (ie, meeting diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI) increased significantly from the pre- to post-pandemic era (38% vs 47%; odds ratio [OR], 1.20), with similar findings independently noted in both countries. From pre- to post-pandemic, the rise in DGBI was observed within the esophageal (9% vs 10%; OR, 1.16), gastroduodenal (12% vs 16%; OR, 1.45), and bowel domains (30% vs 33%; OR, 1.12). Functional dyspepsia rose nearly 44% — from 8% to 12% (OR, 1.48) — and IBS increased 28% — from 5% to 6% (OR, 1.31). The rise in DGBI has been seen in both men and women and across all adult age groups. Multiple Factors at Play Aziz told Medscape Medical News the uptick is probably due to not only the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gastrointestinal tract but also to the psychological stress associated with pandemic life. 'In this study, we found that COVID-viral related factors contributing to DGBI include number of infections, abdominal pain and/or diarrhea during COVID-19 infection, and long COVID,' he explained. 'We also observed increased mood disturbances among people with DGBI in the post-pandemic era, but this study did not determine the direction of causality. Previous studies have shown that in one third of DGBI cases the mood disturbance precedes gut symptoms, while in two third of cases gut symptoms precede mood disturbances,' Aziz noted. The study was published online on July 30 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology . The results are in line with a recent study that found the prevalence of IBS and chronic idiopathic constipation among US adults rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a near doubling of the national rate of IBS over 2 years, as reported previously by Medscape Medical News . Given a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically for post-COVID DGBI management, 'healthcare providers should follow existing standard guidelines for functional dyspepsia and IBS,' Aziz advised. 'The established treatment protocols remain our best approach until more targeted research becomes available. It's also important to take a holistic approach. This means addressing not just the gut symptoms but also any accompanying mood disturbances. Many long-COVID clinics already provide this multiintegrated care model, which appears to be the most effective approach,' Aziz said.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health
Before an exam, job interview, major client presentation, or any big day, it feels like there's a full-blown mental storm brewing, with racing thoughts making you spiral. Amid all this, the stomach feels to be at the frontline, bracing for the day and even before the mind catches up entirely. It's not just nerves causing the frequent washroom trips or the tightening knot in the gut. There is a very real, biological and direct effect the brain has on the gut. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. Stress silently shapes your gut health.(Shutterstock) Dr Bhavesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General, Vadodara, Gujarat, shared with HT Lifestyle how closely the gut and brain are connected. Emotional states aren't completely 'mental' as they frequently manifest physically, especially through digestive symptoms. There's a special name for gut issues which are triggered by stress. Dr Bhavesh shared its disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Explaining more about the biological mechanisms of how stress affects the gut, he said, 'Emotional stress and anxiety lead to the release of different hormones and neurotransmitters such as histamine, serotonin, and cortisol that influence gut motility, gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and balance of gut microbiota. Indeed, excess stress and anxiety can produce a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Such a constellation of disorders was once known as functional gastrointestinal disorder and is now rightly termed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). There is a strong relationship between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut.' Moreover, stress doesn't influence the gut in just one way, following a particular framework. Dr Bhavesh reminded that there are more ways than one it shows up. He said, 'DGBI encompasses several disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), functional diarrhoea, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other than these conditions, gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also conditions that experience variability in symptoms due to stress.' Dr Bhavesh shared a brief guide with us, outlining the various disorders, DGBI symptoms and when to visit a doctor: Digestive disorders triggered by stress 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. 2. Functional Dyspepsia (FD): Includes upper abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. 3. Functional Constipation: Ongoing issue of bowel movement without a structural cause. 4. Functional Diarrhoea: Chronic loose stools in the absence of a recognisable infection or pathology. 5. GERD (Gastro-Oesophagal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain. Symptoms of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) DGBI symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux.(Shutterstock) Abdominal pain and bloating Bloating and burping Reflux acid Constipation and diarrhoea Risk factors other than stress: Disturbed sleep Poor food habits Smoking Tobacco Alcohol How to manage stress-induced digestive problems? Calming the mind to de-stress helps keep DGBI at bay.(Shutterstock) 1. Stress management strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises regulate the gut-brain axis. 2. Dietary management: Management of trigger foods, use of a low FODMAP diet, and hydration. 3. Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication or laxatives as advised for symptomatic relief. 4. Changes in lifestyle: Adequate sleep, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and inclusion of regular exercise. When to see a doctor? Recurrent vomiting Weight loss Loss of appetite Anemia Jaundice ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares 3 risks of eating too much fibre, recommends 5 tips for safe consumption Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
