Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a wide range of extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity, and long-term effects of digestive symptoms in COVID-19 patients, as well as their association with disease outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 confirmed COVID-19 patients at Baghdad, Iraq hospitals from April 2024 to April 2025, assessing demographic data, GI symptoms, pre-existing conditions, laboratory findings, and follow-up recovery status. Statistical analysis was performed to determine frequencies, percentages, and correlations. Among the patients, 40% reported diarrhea, 33.3% nausea/vomiting, and 26.7% abdominal pain, with 46.7% experiencing significant appetite loss. Pre-existing GI conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS) were present in 40% of cases. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) were observed in 20-24%, suggesting hepatic involvement. Post-infection, 16% developed new IBS-like symptoms, and 46.7% had notable weight loss. While 66.7% achieved full recovery within three months, 6.7% reported persistent GI symptoms. COVID-19 significantly impacts digestive health, with a high prevalence of GI symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, and potential long-term sequelae.