Diarrhea in COVID‑19: Causes and approaches to therapy

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the frequency of diarrheal syndrome in patients with COVID‑19. The pathogenesis of diarrhea and its differences from other acute respiratory infections are considered in detail, including on a clinical example.Objective. To study the frequency of registration, features and results of pathogenetic therapy for diarrhea in patients with confirmed COVID‑19.Materials and methods. 286 case histories of male and female patients aged 18–96 years old who received outpatient treatment from June 2020 to February 2021 in connection with the confirmed diagnosis of COVID‑19 were analyzed.Results. Diarrhea was noted in 72 (25.0%) patients. In 4 (1.4%) patients, it was the only symptom of COVID‑19, in 15 (20.8%) – manifesting, followed by the addition and increase of catarrhal symptoms and manifestations of intoxication. In most cases (in 53 patients – 73.6%), diarrheal syndrome appeared simultaneously with other complaints or somewhat later.Conclusions. 1). According to the study, COVID‑19 in 25% of patients is accompanied by diarrhea, in most cases of a watery nature. 2). Different pathogenesis of diarrheal syndrome is possible in patients with COVID‑19. 3). The use of rehydration solutions with additional components, cytomucoprotective and probiotic therapy can reduce the period of diarrhea in patients with COVID‑19 to 1–3 days and prevents adverse effects.