By Robert Preidt
HealthDay reporter
Monday, May 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) – People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had milder symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown, possibly due to decreased stress levels and better control over their diet, Argentine researchers report.
“We believe the results have something to do with people staying at home,” said study author Dr. Juan Pablo Stefanolo. “They weren’t exposed to any outside stress and were able to avoid food triggers at home.”
His team used the online survey to reevaluate 129 IBS patients in Argentina while they were in a pandemic. Pre-pandemic data from patients were collected in an earlier research project.
Argentina had one of the longest locks in the world. The number of patients reporting severe IBS decreased from 65 at the beginning to 39.
On a 500-point scale used to measure IBS severity, the mean during lockdown fell from 278 to 212. The study found that IBS symptoms of pain, gas, stool consistency, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue improved in IBS symptoms.
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However, three symptoms unrelated to IBS – headache, heartburn, and vomiting – increased during the lockdown. This was likely because, according to the study’s authors, nearly 60% of patients reported gaining weight.
The results surprised the researchers, who expected patients would be worse off due to the pressure and stress of COVID-19.
“Our results confirm the concept that IBS, or functional gastrointestinal disorders, is related to psychosocial factors as well as food and other factors,” said Stefanolo of the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Department at José de San Martín Hospital in Buenos Aires. “The gut-brain axis has many facets.”
People with functional gastrointestinal disorders have symptoms even though they do not have any physical or biochemical abnormalities. The gut-brain connection relates to the role of stress and mental health in triggering gut symptoms.
The results were presented at an online meeting of health professionals and students on Sunday called Digestive Disease Week. Research presented at meetings is generally considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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More information
The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about IBS.
SOURCE: Digestive Disease Week, press release, May 23, 2021
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