Medical scientists have concluded that a past coronavirus infection can cause serious disruptions in esophageal function, affecting its motility. As part of the study, a follow-up examination was conducted on 84 patients who had previously been diagnosed with esophageal motility problems. Despite recovering from COVID-19, all participants experienced discomfort, including chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and dysphagia. Using advanced high-resolution manometry, doctors were able to objectively assess changes in the esophagus by comparing its condition before the viral infection and after the illness. The analysis revealed a significant deterioration: the esophagus began to contract more slowly, the time from swallow to the onset of contraction increased, and disruptions in its peristaltic movements appeared. The study authors believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus directly damages the esophagus, exacerbating existing problems and requiring further investigation into the mechanisms of this impact.
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