Gut-brain Axis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome During the Lockdown due to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Survey-based Study

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is influenced by various factors, including socioemotional stressors. The COVID-19 lockdown created a unique environment characterized by reduced social interactions, potentially impacting IBS symptoms.

Aim: To assess how lockdown measures affected symptoms related to the gut-brain axis in IBS patients in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods: Patients with IBS-diarrhea subtype who previously participated in surveys were re-surveyed during the lockdown. Surveys included symptom severity scales and assessments for anxiety, depression, and somatization.

Findings: One hundred twenty-nine patients (median age 57 y, 78% female) were surveyed. Severe IBS decreased (40.4% vs. 25%; P<0.001), along with abdominal discomfort (72.4% vs. 43%; P<0.001), bloating (72.4% vs. 51.5%; P<0.001), and Bristol scale (6 vs. 4; P<0.001) during-lockdown. Headache and dyspepsia increased, whereas anxiety (45.8% vs. 34.9%; P=0.014) and severe somatization (29.6% vs. 23.3%; P=0.081) decreased.

Conclusion: Lockdown was associated with improved clinical status in IBS-D patients, reflected in reduced somatization, anxiety, and symptom intensity. This may be attributed to decreased exposure to external stressors on the gut-brain axis.