Kaniza Garari
IndiGlobal Media Network
Long Covid-19 in those suffering from problems in the digestive tract are on the rise. This is because India is now a westernized and developed country where the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is on the rise.
Since 1995, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease has been noted in the country and in the last two decades has seen a major rise.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD is the inflammation of the gastric system which could be ulcers, sores and also damage to the lining of large intestine.
This is now a disease of concern in India as the incidence has seen a tremendous rise and after Covid 19 infection there is an increased burden of Long Covid.
Long Covid and IBD are presenting in two forms:
- Those suffering from ulcers and acidity in the digestive tract for a prolonged period of time, stopped taking medication for various reasons during the last two years. Dr Tagore Mohan Gandhi, senior consultant gastro intestinal, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at SLG Hospitals, Hyderabad says, “These group of people are now coming in advanced stages of ulcers in the digestive tract and they require higher grade of medication to control. Some of them have been silent sufferers for long and that will take time to recover. Those who suffered from Covid 19 have higher inflammation rates compared to those who did not suffer from the condition.”
- Those suffering from inflammation of the lining in digestive tract or Crohn’s disease are also reporting with aggravated symptoms. The inflammation of the lining makes it difficult to consume food, loss of micro-nutrients, less absorption in the body leading to malnutrition. Dr Rakesh Patel, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai says, “We are now seeing more of Crohn’s disease in India. This is due to westernized lifestyle and food habits. Post-Covid 19 these patients have been coming and most of them will require prolonged treatment as conditions have aggravated. There has been an overall rise in the problems of digestive tract.”
The digestive tract issues are due to induced sedentary lifestyle during lockdown and post-lockdown fear of infection.
It has been noted:
- There was heavy snacking in the population who binged on foods which gratified them from the stress, panic and anxiety.
- Healthy eating habits took a beating in maximum number of people.
- Stress-eating saw a rise as people opted for foods to beat stress.
- Those with underlying conditions of digestive tract saw an increase in the symptoms.
- With work-from-home and reduced activity there is has been a section which worked for more than 14 to 16 hours and that too has taken a toll on their health.
With normalcy now restored, the challenges for those who have been in induced conditions due to the pandemic will take long to get their health back to track.
Experts recommend:
- Physical activity in terms of walking outdoors must be restored.
- Exercise or training must be started with basics as it will take time for the human body to adjust back to the normal system.
- Healthy food balance must be consciously defined and these choices must be taken diligently.
- To get back to track slow and measured steps will allow for a strong foundation.