bacterial gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome

Last reviewed 01/2018

Bacterial gastroenteritis is a risk factor for developing the irritable bowel syndrome.

After an episode of bacterial gastroenteritis, one patient in 14 will develop the classical features of IBS.

Risk factors for developing post-gastroenteritis IBS include:

  • female gender
  • long period of diarrhoea

Reference:

  1. Neal, KR, Hebden, J. & Spiller, R. (1997). Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms six months after bacterial gastroenteritis and risk factors for development of the irritable bowel symdrome: postal survey of patients. BMJ; 314: 779-82.

Related pages:

irritable bowel syndrome