Infectious Disease Specialist Questions Infectious Disease Specialist

Inside swelling?

I had, as the hospital put it, the real Covid back in August 2021, and ever since I have had issues with going to the bathroom. My stomach is bloated all the time and all my insides feel swollen. My rectal is numb and I don’t think it’s working correctly to help me go to the bathroom. Not one of my doctors is listening to what I am saying. There has got to be a reason my insides all feel swollen and my stomach is constantly bloated.

Female | 58 years old
Complaint duration: 7 months
Medications: Pantoprazole
Conditions: GERD

3 Answers

I hope that you’ve been evaluated by a specialist for these symptoms.
You have developed a post-viral intestinal change featuring slower transit and leaky gut syndrome. This is not uncommon and is not specific to viruses. The remedy involves diet adjustments and lifestyle changes including walking, eating smaller portions, minimizing sugars and fats and dairy, centering nutrition on vegetables and fruits, and including a small intake of probiotics.

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An infection such as covid can cause prolonged GI issues including carbohydrate malabsorption, which usually causes bloating. IBS can also happen after a covid infection that also affects the bowel. Find a GI doctor who will take the time to make a proper diagnosis and offer treatment, rather than just do procedures and nothing else.