This study analyzed data from over 160,000 U.S. adults through a national online survey conducted between May 2020 and May 2022, focusing on digestive symptoms, mental health, and lifestyle changes.

Published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, the research highlights the long-term impacts of the pandemic on mental health, which may worsen gut-brain interaction disorders, even among those who did not contract COVID-19 but faced significant psychological distress.

Researchers are calling for a renewed focus on gastrointestinal health as a vital component of post-pandemic recovery, emphasizing its importance in healthcare.

According to senior researcher Dr. Brennan Spiegel, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and attention to gastrointestinal health in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Among participants diagnosed with IBS, the most frequently reported subtype was mixed IBS, characterized by alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

A recent study from Cedars-Sinai has revealed a significant rise in chronic digestive disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a potential link between pandemic-related stress and gut health.

The prevalence of IBS among U.S. adults nearly doubled, climbing from about 6% in May 2020 to approximately 11% by May 2022.

In addition to IBS, the pandemic period also saw an increase in other gastrointestinal issues, including chronic constipation.