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.
What’s Restless Anal Syndrome?
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.
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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.
RELATED: Black People Are At Triple The Risk Of This Long COVID-19 Symptom
The Symptoms You Need To Know
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.
How Likely Are You To Develop It?
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
