There’s still a lot to learn about the long-term effects of contracting COVID-19. While some of those issues have been well-documented, there are others that are so uncommon that you might not hear about them. One of those health conditions is restless anal syndrome and it’s definitely one you want to know.
Restless anal syndrome is a condition that affects the anal and digestive systems. According to researchers, the disorder may be related to restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Given that RLS is associated with a dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS), health experts surmise that restless anal syndrome has the same cause. This also suggests that the COVID-19 virus would have to spread to the CNS and affect your nerves resulting in restless anal syndrome.
Though there aren’t more cases to evaluate, it’s not unheard of for COVID-19 to affect the brain and nervous system. In fact, other studies have linked the development of cognitive problems, trouble concentrating, memory issues, and an increased risk of dementia to the long-term effects of COVID-19.
It’s also worth noting that the subject of the study didn’t have restless leg syndrome or any anal issues prior to getting sick. However, it’s not possible to say if they were at risk for developing them. Some of the factors that can lead to restless leg syndrome are low iron levels, nerve damage, taking certain medications like antinausea, antipsychotic, or antidepressant drugs, and having specific health conditions like sleep apnea, kidney disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
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The characteristic symptoms of the condition include anxiety, insomnia, an uncontrollable urge to move, deep anal discomfort, and constantly needing to use the bathroom.
These symptoms usually get worse late in the day and if you’re trying to rest. Additionally, using the bathroom didn’t ease the need to go. Exercising, distractions like playing video games, and taking sleep-inducing medications were usually helpful.
Since this is a relatively new discovery, it’s hard to say. So far, there’s only one study available and it involves an older man who was under observation while being treated for COVID-19. Based on that, researchers are tentatively treating restless anal syndrome as a rare complication of COVID-19.
That designation doesn’t mean it can’t change, however. It’s always possible that other people are being affected but haven’t reported the issue to their doctors. You should also bear in mind that the symptoms may vary and there may be others that aren’t yet documented. To be on the safe side, it’s best to consult a doctor if you’ve developed digestive problems since having COVID-19.
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With only one condition to study, it’s hard to pinpoint a universal treatment for restless anal syndrome. In this case, the doctors were able to alleviate the patient’s symptoms with a treatment program that’s similar to restless leg syndrome.
When discussing the way forward with your doctor, the protocol may be different. However, the one thing that is apparent is that there might be little you can do to manage the condition on your own.
As soon as you notice the symptoms, you need to see your doctor to get started with an assessment.
Restless anal syndrome is a possible complication of COVID-19 that has been linked to restless leg syndrome. The information researchers have so far suggests that it’s rare but that conclusion is not set in stone.
Over time, more people may present with symptoms that are associated with the condition and there will be more data to work with. The important thing is that you see your doctor as soon as possible if you think it might be affecting you.
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