Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 07, 2025 8 hours, 44 minutes ago
Medical News: New Study Reveals Post COVID Impact on Esophageal Muscles
A new medical study has revealed that COVID-19 infection may worsen a specific type of swallowing problem known as ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), even in patients who had only mild symptoms of the virus. The findings are especially important for people who had preexisting issues with esophageal movement, as the infection may aggravate these conditions and lead to further swallowing difficulties, chest discomfort, and other digestive problems.
New study links post COVID effects to worsening of esophageal muscle function in patients with prior swallowing issues
This
Medical News report focuses on a clinical study conducted by researchers from several institutions in Croatia, including Dubrava University Hospital and the University of Zagreb, as well as the University of Rijeka and the University of Osijek. The study involved 84 patients who had previously been diagnosed with inconclusive IEM before their COVID-19 infection. After recovering from the virus, these patients reported a return or worsening of symptoms like trouble swallowing and chest pain.
How the Study Was Done
Researchers carefully compared the patients’ esophageal function both before and after COVID-19 infection using a technique called high-resolution esophageal manometry. They looked at how well the muscles in the esophagus could contract and move food toward the stomach.
The study found significant changes after the infection. There was a decrease in contractile strength, longer delays in muscle contractions, and an increase in the size of muscle coordination gaps. Importantly, these changes were not seen in a separate control group of 12 people who had similar esophageal issues but never had COVID-19.
The team ruled out other possible causes like acid reflux (GERD) by using advanced endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring techniques. This means the changes observed are likely linked directly to the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
What These Changes Mean
Before COVID-19, many patients had borderline or mild motility issues. But after infection, 16 patients developed more severe forms of esophageal dysfunction. These findings suggest that the virus may not only affect the lungs or other major organs, but could also impact the digestive system in subtle and lasting ways.
The virus is believed to disrupt the esophageal lining or its nerve connections, possibly through inflammation or direct cell damage. Past research has shown that the virus can enter gastrointestinal tissues through the same ACE2 receptors found in the lungs, which may explain these new findings.
A Warning for Those with Preexisting Conditions
People who already have esophageal motility issues may be especially vulnerable to these worsening effects after a COVID-19 infection. While more studies are needed to understand the exact cause, this research points to the need for long-term monitoring of digestive health in recoverin
g COVID-19 patients.
The researchers concluded that esophageal function can be negatively affected by the virus even months after infection, and highlighted the importance of recognizing post-COVID swallowing problems as part of the broader long COVID syndrome.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal Scientific Reports.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-025-31067-1
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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