Can a Stomach Ache Be a Symptom of COVID-19?

Family Medicine, University of California San Diego Health System

Supervised by Garrett Kneese, MD, MPH

Yes, a stomach ache can be a symptom of COVID-19, though it is less common than respiratory symptoms. It may occur along with other gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea.

Explanation

COVID-19 is most known for causing cough, fever, and breathing problems, but it can also affect the stomach and intestines. Some people with COVID-19 experience abdominal pain or a stomach ache, which might come with nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. These gastrointestinal symptoms can appear in addition to or sometimes before the more common respiratory symptoms. However, not everyone with a stomach ache has COVID-19. Many other conditions can cause stomach pain, so it is important to look at other signs like fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, or fatigue. If you think you might be at risk for COVID-19 because of exposure or if you develop multiple symptoms, consider getting tested and contact your healthcare provider for advice. Early testing and treatment can help you manage your symptoms and stop the spread of the virus to others.

(References)

Zhai LL, Wang W, Wu L, Tang ZG. COVID-19 with abdominal symptoms and acute abdominal pain: a guide to identification for general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Jun 25;70(696):358-359. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X710693. PMID: 32586824; PMCID: PMC7319657.
Mandala S, Kodati R, Tadepalli A, Reddy C, Kalyan S. An Unusual Cause of Acute Abdominal Pain in Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Report of Two Cases. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2022 Sep;26(9):1045-1048. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24310. PMID: 36213717; PMCID: PMC9492738.
Gurung S, Karki S, Pathak BD, Yadav GK, Bhatta G, Thapa S, Banmala S, Thapa AJ, Roka K. Gastrointestinal symptoms among COVID-19 patients presenting to a primary health care center of Nepal: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 14;6(9):e1568. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1568. PMID: 37720170; PMCID: PMC10501051.

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