| خلاصه مقاله | Background and Aim: Digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers, are common conditions that
significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between
the frequency of common colds and the exacerbation of these digestive disorders. The immune
response triggered by recurrent colds may influence gastrointestinal health, potentially leading to
or worsening existing digestive conditions. Additionally, using antibiotics to treat colds can
disrupt the gut microbiota, further increasing the likelihood of developing digestive disorders by
altering the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to dysbiosis. This imbalance can
compromise gut health and contribute to various digestive issues. Understanding these
relationships is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment and prevention strategies. This
study aims to evaluate the correlation between the frequency of colds and the risk of developing
digestive system disorders.
Methods: This study included 186 patients diagnosed with digestive system disorders referred
for endoscopy at Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz, and 185 healthy individuals who served as the
control group. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of
Medical Sciences (IR.TBZMED.REC.1394.505). Both patients and controls completed a
questionnaire that included a question about the frequency of colds. The control group comprised
individuals without digestive system disorders, and they did not undergo endoscopy.
Results: The study identified a statistically significant difference in the frequency of colds
between the healthy control group and the GI patient group. Specifically, 76.4% of individuals in
the healthy control group reported a low frequency of colds, compared to 55.4% in the GI patient
group (P-value = 0.0001). For moderate cold frequency, the results were similar, with 22.7% of
the healthy control group and 22.5% of the GI patient group reporting moderate cold frequency,
though this correlation was not statistically significant (P-value = 1.00). Notably, only 2.7% of
healthy individuals reported frequent colds, compared to 22.1% of GI patients (P-value =
0.0001). This study, which included 371 participants, demonstrated a strong association between
a high frequency of colds and susceptibility to GI disorders.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates a significant link between the frequency of
colds and GI disorders. The findings show that GI patients have a higher cold history than
healthy individuals. These results suggest that cold frequency could be a valuable indicator of GI
health. Further research is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop
effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for those at higher risk. |