ABSTRACT
Although much has been talked and written about the respiratory menace that Coronavirus disease causes, a close examination reveals that gut symptoms are equally important diagnostic markers for COVID-19. Almost 53% of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The entry of the SARS Cov-2 virus is mediated through angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors which are abundant in the GI tract. The virus also affects the GI tract through the gut lung axis. In addition to the GI tract epithelium, hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems are also affected in COVID through multiple mechanisms. GI manifestations vary from relatively benign symptoms such as nausea vomiting diarrhea to rare cases of life-threatening mesenteric vein thrombosis. The relationship of the symptoms with morbidity and mortality is not clear. Anorexia is related to inflammation, and agneusia and anosmia carry a good prognosis. Psychiatric manifestations may be more common in those with GI affection, inflammation being the common pathogenic factor. Treatment is symptomatic, and proper hygiene precautions are necessary considering the possible fecal shedding of the virus, especially during endoscopic procedures on the GI tract.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Some studies have found a positive association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome; however, none are from India. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1040 adults aged between 18 and 50 years. Individuals from the annual health check-up setting were screened using anthropometry and biochemistry. Based on the results, they were identified as with and without metabolic syndrome. We excluded individuals who were already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or those who were already on medication for diabetes mellitus or hypertension or dyslipidemia. All the participants were administered the Rome III questionnaire for the diagnosis of IBS. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was found in 307 of 1040 (29.5%) while 33 of 1040 (3.2%) had IBS. The proportion of IBS was not significantly different between participants with and without metabolic syndrome (1.6% vs 3.8% respectively; P = 0.06). Those with IBS had significantly greater mean weight (72.4 vs 67.2 kg; P = 0.009), mean waist circumference (88.8 vs 85.2 cm; P = 0.011), mean body mass index (BMI) (26.2 vs 24.2 kg/m2; P = 0.002), and higher mean fasting glucose (96 vs 89 mg/dL; P < 0.000) respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and IBS are comparable to previous literature from India. There was no association between metabolic syndrome and IBS.
