Digestive Issues & Coronavirus
April 20, 2020
A recent study shows digestive issues might be an early symptom for people who have come down with the coronavirus.
Because these individuals don't necessarily have respiratory symptoms, they may not seek help as quickly thinking it's not the coronavirus.
According to Dr. Paul Thuluvath, Medical Director, The Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center, they are seeing digestive problems in coronavirus patients.
“It's very common to have upper gastrointestinal symptoms, like loss of appetite. In three out of four, you will see loss of appetite, but nausea is seen in one in four. Same thing with diarrhea. It is uncommon, but one in four can have diarrhea,” Dr. Thuluvath said.
If you are having these symptoms, contact your doctor so he or she can advise you on how to proceed.
The virus can appear in stool, which is just one more reason to practice diligent hand washing.
To view Dr. Paul Thuluvath’s interview regarding digestive issues and COVID-19, click here.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
Media Contact
Dan Collins, Senior Director of Media Relations
Office: 410-332-9714
Cell: 410-375-7342
Email: dcollins@mdmercy.com