Is Diarrhea a Common Symptom of Covid?

Key takeaways:

• Diarrhea can be linked to COVID-19, though it’s less common than respiratory symptoms.
• Knowing when to seek medical care for diarrhea during COVID is key to managing the condition effectively.
• Home treatments can help, but persistent or severe symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.

Experiencing diarrhea can be unpleasant and disruptive, but when it coincides with COVID-19, it can raise additional concerns. While fever, cough, and shortness of breath are often thought of as primary signs of the virus, some people do experience gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea.

Understanding how COVID-19 can impact the digestive system and learning what steps to take can help in managing this symptom effectively and reducing discomfort. This article will cover whether diarrhea is commonly linked to COVID, other potential causes, and how to handle the symptoms at home or with medical assistance.

Is diarrhea a sign or symptom of COVID?

Diarrhea is not among the most frequently discussed symptoms of COVID-19, but it does occur in some cases. Reports have shown that COVID-19 can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These signs can show up alongside respiratory symptoms or, in some instances, be the main symptoms a person experiences.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can bind to receptors in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and changes in how the intestines function. This reaction can disrupt normal digestion and trigger diarrhea. It’s also worth noting that diarrhea related to COVID-19 can appear early in the course of the illness or develop later as part of lingering symptoms known as long COVID.

Other symptoms associated with COVID

COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, which can differ in intensity from person to person. While respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath are well-known, it’s helpful to recognize other potential signs that may appear alongside or signal the presence of the virus:

Fever and chills

One of the most common signs of COVID-19 is fever, which is the body’s way of fighting off the infection. Chills often come with fever and can create a feeling of discomfort and fatigue.

Cough

A persistent, dry cough is frequently associated with COVID-19 and can last for days or even weeks. This cough can be bothersome, particularly if it interrupts sleep or daily activities.

Fatigue

Fatigue can range from mild to severe and often makes even simple tasks feel exhausting. This tiredness can last throughout the duration of the illness and, in some cases, persist during recovery.

Loss of taste or smell

A sudden loss of taste or smell is a unique symptom of COVID-19 and has been a key indicator for many cases. While most people regain these senses within weeks, some may experience a longer period before full recovery.

Other causes of diarrhea

While diarrhea can be a symptom of COVID-19, it’s not always linked to the virus. Other common causes of diarrhea include:

Food poisoning

Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This condition is typically short-lived and resolves as the body clears out the offending agent.

Stress and anxiety

The gut is closely connected to the brain, and high levels of stress or anxiety can disrupt digestion and lead to diarrhea. This is particularly true during periods of significant life changes or heightened worry, which can amplify digestive sensitivities.

Medication side effects

Certain medications, including antibiotics and some over-the-counter treatments, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If you have started a new medication and experience digestive issues, it’s helpful to consult a doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Food intolerances

People with food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten sensitivity, may experience diarrhea when they consume certain foods. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can prevent symptoms from reoccurring.

Read our guides on the main types of diarrhea and diarrhea causes for more.

When you should see a doctor about diarrhea and a possible COVID diagnosis

Recognizing when to seek medical care is crucial, especially if diarrhea occurs along with other COVID-19 symptoms. While mild diarrhea can be managed at home, there are times when seeing a doctor is necessary.

You should see a doctor if:

• Diarrhea persists beyond two days without any signs of improvement.
• There is a small amount of blood in the stool or ongoing abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea starts to interfere with daily activities or leads to significant weight loss.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• Severe dehydration occurs, marked by extreme thirst, dry mouth, or decreased urination.
• Fever reaches above 103°F (39.4°C) and doesn’t respond to basic care.
• Stool appears black and tarry or contains a moderate amount of blood, indicating a potential emergency.

Questions to ask your doctor about diarrhea and a possible COVID diagnosis

Being prepared with questions for your healthcare provider can make your visit more productive and help ensure you receive the care you need:

• Could my diarrhea be related to COVID-19, or should we consider other causes?
• What tests should I consider to confirm whether COVID or another condition is responsible for my symptoms?
• Are there any safe treatment options to manage diarrhea while recovering from COVID?
• What steps can I take to prevent future episodes if they are related to my current condition?

How to treat diarrhea when you have a COVID diagnosis

If diarrhea is part of your COVID-19 symptoms, there are ways to manage it at home to feel more comfortable and support recovery:

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with diarrhea. Drinking fluids like water, clear broths, and rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids and maintain electrolyte balance. Taking small sips regularly rather than large gulps can prevent further stomach upset.

Follow a gentle diet

Foods that are easy to digest, like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Staying away from spicy or greasy foods and dairy products can help avoid worsening symptoms.

Rest and monitor symptoms

Giving your body time to rest and recover is just as important as managing specific symptoms. Keep track of how you’re feeling and reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms change or worsen.

Read our full guide on treating diarrhea for more.

Frequently asked questions: diarrhea and COVID

Many people have questions about how COVID-19 might affect their digestive system, especially when symptoms like diarrhea arise. Here are some common questions and their answers to help you better understand and manage these concerns.

How long does COVID diarrhea last?

Diarrhea linked to COVID-19 often lasts for a few days as part of the body’s response to the virus. For most individuals, digestive symptoms clear up within a week as the immune system fights off the infection and the body begins to recover.

However, the duration can vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the illness. In some cases, symptoms may last longer than expected due to how the virus affects the gastrointestinal system, disrupting normal digestion and leading to prolonged issues.

For people dealing with long COVID, digestive issues like diarrhea can stick around for weeks or even months after the initial illness has passed. These ongoing symptoms can make daily life difficult and uncomfortable. Keeping an eye on how symptoms change over time and staying hydrated with the right fluids can help manage these issues.

If diarrhea lasts longer than expected or gets worse, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider to see if further treatment or testing is needed.

What if you’ve had COVID and diarrhea for more than a week?

If diarrhea lasts for more than a week after a COVID-19 diagnosis, it’s a sign to reach out to a healthcare provider. Persistent diarrhea could indicate that the body is having difficulty fully recovering from the infection or that there is another underlying condition contributing to the problem. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, making it even more essential to seek guidance for appropriate care and support.

Your healthcare provider may suggest diagnostic tests, such as stool samples or blood tests, to understand the root cause and recommend targeted treatments. If symptoms linger and impact daily life, further investigation and treatment can help restore normal digestive function and overall health.

How can you prevent diarrhea if you have a COVID diagnosis?

Preventing diarrhea while managing COVID-19 involves taking proactive steps to maintain gut health and hydration. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions, helps prevent dehydration and supports the digestive system.

Including oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be especially helpful since they provide the right mix of water, salt, and sugar to boost fluid absorption. Eating simple, bland foods is also key when managing and preventing diarrhea. Options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—commonly known as the BRAT diet—can help firm up stools and reduce how often bowel movements occur.

Managing diarrhea and COVID

Managing diarrhea at home is usually straightforward with the right steps, including staying hydrated, eating gentle foods, and using over-the-counter remedies when appropriate. However, if symptoms don’t improve or become more severe, seeking medical advice is essential for proper treatment and to avoid complications. Being aware of when to seek help can make all the difference in recovery and maintaining overall digestive health.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

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