Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache? COVID-19 Symptoms

Long COVID is when you experience new or long lasting symptoms after having COVID-19. There is still a lot to know about stomach pain and long COVID.

Is Stomach Pain a Symptom of COVID-19?

While it isn’t a hallmark symptom, stomach pain occurs in about 1 in 5 people with COVID-19. It might even appear before other, more common symptoms or instead of them.

The most common COVID-19 symptoms are respiratory, like cough, congestion, and breathing issues. But some people report abdominal pain. Because it’s not a common symptom, abdominal pain can sometimes make diagnosing COVID-19 difficult.

Keep reading to learn more about stomach pain as a symptom of COVID-19 and how you can treat it.

In case reports about COVID-19-related stomach pain, the symptoms are not usually different from a stomach virus or infection. The symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.

The pain could be cramping, as diarrhea is a common symptom. However, a 2020 case report described the stomach pain as “non-specific.”

In the U.S., healthcare spending accounts for 17.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the total value of goods and services produced by the entire nation for the entire year, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

And while fever is a common symptom of COVID-19, people with stomach pain often do not have a fever .

In a 2022 study of more than 1,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19, about 19.5% reported abdominal pain. Another 16.2% had abdominal pain upon touching their abdomen. Of these people, 42.7% reported pain in the top part of their stomach, with 25.5% experiencing pain in the right upper part.

If pain was in the right upper part of the stomach, COVID-19 symptoms were usually more severe. Pain in this area could be related to liver inflammation, which can have more serious effects.

Digestive symptoms of COVID-19

While COVID-19 doesn’t usually cause digestive or gastrointestinal symptoms, these symptoms may include:

Researchers don’t know exactly why some people with COVID-19 have stomach pain while others do not. They do know that SARS-CoV-2 — the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 — binds to an enzyme in the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. This enzyme is present in several abdominal organs, which could cause symptoms when you have COVID-19.

Researchers have found genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 in stool specimens. This could indicate that the virus lives in the gastrointestinal tract.

Research from 2022 suggests that people with liver inflammation as a result of COVID-19 can also experience abdominal pain. Abdominal pain related to the liver typically occurs in the upper right portion of the abdomen instead of in the upper middle portion.

Research from early in the pandemic identified cases of COVID-19 where stomach pain appeared before any respiratory symptoms . Some people go on to never experience respiratory symptoms.

Are some SARS-CoV-2 variants more likely to cause stomach pain?

SARS-CoV-2 has mutated over time, resulting in different variants. Each variant may cause different symptoms.

A 2022 study of 1.5 million adults did not find any significant differences regarding abdominal pain among the following SARS-CoV-2 variants:

Alpha
Delta
Omicron BA.1
Omicron BA.2

Still, it’s possible future SARS-CoV-2 variants could be more likely to cause stomach pain.

Most COVID-19 stomach pain is self-limiting , which means it goes away without prescription medications. But there are treatments you can try at home that may help you feel better:

Stay hydrated by drinking water or an electrolyte-replacing beverage. If it’s tough to keep fluids down, you can try taking small sips or eating ice chips or popsicles.
Eat foods less likely to upset your stomach, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or plain toast.
Get plenty of rest.

But if you start to experience bloody diarrhea, see a doctor.

Is stomach pain a symptom of long COVID?

Long COVID is when you experience new or long lasting symptoms after having COVID-19. There is still a lot to know about stomach pain and long COVID.

Research from 2022 estimates that stomach symptoms occur in 3% to 79% of people with long COVID. While people do report symptoms like pain, acid reflux, bloating, and vomiting after having COVID-19, it’s tough to know how often these occur.

Although it’s not one of the hallmark symptoms, abdominal pain can be a result of COVID-19. The location of the pain may determine if the cause is related to the stomach or liver.

Most stomach pain-related COVID-19 symptoms should go away with time. Treatments to prevent dehydration and promote rest can help until you feel better.

Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2023

Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache? COVID-19 Symptoms

However, COVID-19 can also cause unusual symptoms, and manifestation of the disease varies from person to person:

Loss of taste and/or smell: One potential early symptom of COVID-19 is new loss of smell or taste without nasal congestion. According to studies, this symptom typically resolves within 30 days. Moderate to severe changes in taste and smell can last for 60 days or longer in some people.
Change in skin appearance: Flat, red rashes with small bumps or discolored regions on the fingers and toes (COVID toes) are the most prevalent skin changes linked to mild to severe COVID-19. Children and young people seem to be more susceptible to COVID toes. Swelling, discoloration, blisters, itching, and discomfort are possible side effects. This symptom can linger anywhere from 10-14 days to several months.
Confusion: In older people, delirium (severe confusion) or brain fog may be the primary or only sign of COVID-19. This COVID-19 symptom has been linked to a high probability of serious complications including death.
Eye problems: COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), as well as light sensitivity, itchiness, and irritation.

What to do if you think you have COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms can occur 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and range from minor to severe. If left untreated, it can impair the immune system and lead to complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Consult a doctor as soon as you notice COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with an infected person. If a diagnosis of COVID-19 is confirmed, take action right away and follow all safety protocols to avoid spreading the virus and worsening your condition.

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Penis Curved When Erect
Could I have CAD?
Treat Bent Fingers
Treat HR+, HER2- MBC
Tired of Dandruff?
Life with Cancer

Medically Reviewed on 2/23/2022
References

Image Source: iStock Images

Top Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache Related Articles

What Causes Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.

What’s Causing Your Abdominal Pain?

In general, abdominal pain, which may be in the lower left or right of your abdomen, is a symptom of many possible conditions including appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and others. It may accompany constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Find out the potential causes of pain in the abdomen and learn when you should see a doctor.

Can Diarrhea Be an Initial Symptom of COVID-19?

COVID-19 has become a common illness that affects many people. Learn the signs of COVID-19, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Children’s Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain in children can be more than just a tummy ache. What are the common causes of abdominal pain in children? Learn about pediatric abdominal pain symptoms and treatments for stomach pain in children.

Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body

By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Work?

Around 150 vaccines were in various stages of development across the globe as of mid December 2020; many had completed the Phase III clinical trials, a final step leading to approval by governments around the world. Full approval is not necessary to start distributing promising vaccines; the US FDA granted the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine an emergency use authorization (EUA) in December. Bell’s palsy, a facial nerve problem, and allergic reaction were rare but possible side effects of the first vaccine, but their connection to the medication was unclear as of late 2020.

How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?

Tests used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may use two methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, a debilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. Genomic or molecular detection confirms the presence of viral DNA. The immunoglobulin or serology tests can tell whether or not you have been exposed to coronavirus, but not whether you are currently infected. Both tests administered in tandem can give you your complete COVID-19 infection status.

What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?

Both the PCR test and antigen test can be used to determine whether you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test.

Veklury (remdesivir)

Veklury (remdesivir) is a synthetic molecule in the antiviral class of medications. It is the first approved medication for treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic disease.

How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.

Stomach Pain: Causes, Types and Prevention

Sometimes, you may have pain/discomfort in a particular part of your belly or all over the belly for a short or long period of time. Stomach pain may result from a variety of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, constipation, stomach flu, gallstones, kidney stones and a variety of other conditions.

Tests Available for COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 can identify you as a positive or negative patient of the disease. Remember no test is 100% accurate. Different methods of testing have been launched to trace COVID-19 infection.

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine has emergency authorization from the FDA for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 and older. The vaccine uses a new technology; synthetic mRNA directs the body to create harmless virus proteins to train your body to develop coronavirus antibodies.

Tummy Trouble Quiz

Tummy Troubles? Get a better idea of what’s causing the nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, pain, and other gastrointestinal discomforts and problems. Take the Tummy Troubles Quiz!

When Stomach Pain Is and Is Not an Emergency

Most stomach pains are harmless. They may be caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. If your pain is short term, goes away after passing gases or stools, and with over-the-counter products (laxative and antacids) or home remedies, there is nothing to worry about. If your belly pain is severe, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor.

Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache? COVID-19 Symptoms