Abdominal pain and diarrhea and nausea
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Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and Nausea: A Comprehensive Overview
COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Prevalence of GI Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain have been reported in COVID-19 patients. A meta-analysis of 47 studies involving 10,890 patients found that the pooled prevalence of diarrhea was 7.7%, nausea/vomiting was 7.8%, and abdominal pain was 2.7%. Another study confirmed these findings, noting that diarrhea (7.8%) and nausea/vomiting (5.5%) were the most common GI symptoms among COVID-19 patients.
Long-term GI Symptoms in COVID-19 Survivors
Persistent GI symptoms have also been observed in COVID-19 survivors. A systematic review found that prolonged nausea affected 3.23% of survivors, vomiting persisted in 3.19%, and prolonged diarrhea was found in 4.12% of survivors. Additionally, 4.41% of survivors reported a persistent decrease or loss of appetite, and 1.68% experienced prolonged abdominal pain. These findings highlight the long-term impact of COVID-19 on GI health.
Other Causes of Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and Nausea
Appendiceal Intussusception
A case study described a woman in her 40s who presented with lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but no diarrhea. Imaging revealed an ileal intussusception, a rare condition where part of the intestine folds into another section.
Colitis
A 54-year-old woman experienced worsening abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Imaging and laboratory tests confirmed colitis, characterized by bowel wall thickening and adjacent fat stranding.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children
Nausea is prevalent in children with pain-associated functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). A study found that 53% of pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain experienced nausea at least twice a week, significantly affecting their school and social functioning.
Blastocystis hominis Infection
Two children with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever were diagnosed with Blastocystis hominis infection, a parasitic infection that can mimic acute abdomen conditions. Both patients developed diarrhea and were successfully treated with antibiotics.
Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis, a common infectious disease, causes a combination of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It affects millions annually, with foodborne bacteria being a significant cause. Preventing dehydration is the primary treatment.
Mycophenolate Mofetil-Related Diarrhea
A post-transplant patient experienced severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting due to mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to the condition, highlighting the severe GI toxicity associated with the drug.
Conclusion
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea are symptoms associated with various conditions, including COVID-19, appendiceal intussusception, colitis, FGIDs, parasitic infections, acute gastroenteritis, and drug-induced GI toxicity. Understanding the prevalence and causes of these symptoms is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 on GI health and to develop standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for these conditions.
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