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Pandemic’s Hidden Toll: The Surge in Gut-Brain Disorders

October 15, 2025 by Great Life Chiropractic

Pandemic’s Hidden Toll: The Surge in Gut-Brain Disorders

In recent years, emerging data from both the UK and the US have revealed a less-visible, but deeply impactful, consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic: a marked increase in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia are climbing, and they appear intertwined with long-COVID symptoms.

Rising Numbers: DGBI Rates Climb Post-Pandemic

Nationally representative surveys comparing data from 2017 before the pandemic and 2023 after the pandemic show a pronounced increase in DGBI prevalence. Overall, DGBI rose from 38% to 47%. Within that increase, esophageal issues rose from 9% to 10%, gastroduodenal issues from 12% to 16%, and bowel issues from 30% to 33%. Functional dyspepsia surged nearly 44%, from about 8% to 12%. IBS increased by roughly 28%, moving from about 5% to 6%. These rises were evident across different age groups and between both men and women.

Gut Issues as Part of Long COVID

Healthcare experts are increasingly recognizing post-COVID gut disorders as part of the broader long COVID constellation.
“Healthcare providers should recognize post-COVID DGBI as part of the long COVID spectrum. These post-COVID gut problems appear more severe and require more medical care than similar pre-pandemic conditions.”
— Imran Aziz, MBChB, MD
Individuals experiencing long COVID symptoms were also significantly more likely to report DGBI alongside worsened anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.

Why Are Gut-Brain Disorders on the Rise?

The pandemic’s impact on gut health seems to stem from multiple, intertwined factors. COVID-19 itself may directly disrupt the gut-brain axis and impair digestive function. Lockdowns, fear, social isolation, and overall psychological strain exacerbated gut-brain dysfunction. Both the infection and the psychological toll of the pandemic disrupted the gut-brain axis and triggered chronic digestive disorders like IBS.
The gut-brain axis is a vital communication pathway between gut and brain through neural, hormonal, immune, and microbial signals. Its disruption is central to understanding DGBI and the range of symptoms that span digestive distress, mood disorders, and cognitive impacts.

Why It Matters: Health, Quality of Life, and Care

The surge in DGBI is not just about statistics, it translates to real-life challenges. Patients now face increased medical care needs and higher utilization of healthcare resources. They report elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life, particularly among those with long COVID-related DGBI. Health systems are likely to feel the strain as they grapple with managing these chronic, complex gut-brain disorders alongside other post-COVID complications.

Moving Forward: Recognition, Research, and Response

The trend underscores several urgent needs. Clinicians must recognize DGBI as potential components of long COVID and adjust diagnostic and treatment strategies accordingly. Because the gut-brain axis implicates neurology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, and primary care, integrated treatment approaches may offer better outcomes. Research investment is critical to exploring both the biological and psychological dimensions of DGBI. Public education is equally important so that patients experiencing chronic gut symptoms post-COVID understand that the condition is real, treatable, and not isolated.

Conclusion

The data is clear: since the pandemic, disorders of gut-brain interaction like IBS and functional dyspepsia have become more widespread and more complex. They are emerging as key players in long COVID’s multifaceted impact, affecting physical health, mental well-being, and healthcare demand. Recognizing the rise of gut-brain disorders in the post-pandemic era is not just medically crucial, it is a call to action for responsive, compassionate, and comprehensive care for those navigating long-COVID’s lingering legacy.

Resource: The Chiropractic Chronical by Mccoy Press Sept 1, 2025

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