Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Gastrointestinal symptoms of Lyme disease may occur when infection affects the digestive system or disrupts normal immune and inflammatory responses. Some patients experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or other digestive disturbances during Lyme illness.
Digestive symptoms may appear early in infection or develop later as the disease progresses. Because gastrointestinal complaints are common in many medical conditions, Lyme disease may not always be considered as a possible cause.
This page highlights gastrointestinal manifestations associated with Lyme disease and links to clinical articles discussing these symptoms in more detail.
Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive discomfort
Some patients may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms related to coinfections or to medications used during treatment.
Articles on Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Abdominal pain and Lyme disease
- Nausea associated with Lyme disease
- Digestive problems in Lyme disease
- Gastrointestinal symptoms during Lyme treatment
- Coinfections and digestive symptoms
Why Gastrointestinal Lyme Symptoms Are Often Overlooked
Digestive symptoms are frequently attributed to viral illness, food intolerance, or stress. As a result, Lyme disease may not initially be considered when patients present primarily with gastrointestinal complaints.
To learn more about diagnostic challenges, see our page on Lyme disease misdiagnosis.
For a broader overview of symptoms affecting different body systems, see the Lyme disease symptoms guide.
Editor’s note: In my clinical experience, gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in Lyme disease, although they are less widely recognized than neurologic or musculoskeletal manifestations.
