How to manage post-infectious IBS
Learn more about symptoms, causes, and ways to manage post-infectious IBS.
How to manage post-infectious IBS
Learn more about symptoms, causes, and ways to manage post-infectious IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes a group of uncomfortable digestive symptoms simultaneously.
In some cases, a person can suddenly experience symptoms of IBS following an infection that affects the stomach or intestines (gastroenteritis).
While most people recover completely, some people do not. This is known as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS).
Symptoms of the condition may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in frequency of bowel movements
- Changes in the appearance of stool
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Constipation after gastroenteritis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes a group of uncomfortable digestive symptoms simultaneously.
In some cases, a person can suddenly experience symptoms of IBS following an infection that affects the stomach or intestines (gastroenteritis).
While most people recover completely, some people do not. This is known as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS).
Symptoms of the condition may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in frequency of bowel movements
- Changes in the appearance of stool
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Constipation after gastroenteritis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes a group of uncomfortable digestive symptoms simultaneously.
In some cases, a person can suddenly experience symptoms of IBS following an infection that affects the stomach or intestines (gastroenteritis).
While most people recover completely, some people do not. This is known as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS).
Symptoms of the condition may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in frequency of bowel movements
- Changes in the appearance of stool
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Constipation after gastroenteritis
What are the risk factors for PI-IBS?
Many factors can increase your risk of PI-IBS. They are often dependent on the following:
- The duration and severity of the initial illness or infection (the longer and more severe, the greater the risk)
- Psychological factors (chronic stress or anxiety and even adverse life events in the months before infection increase the risk)
- Gender (PI-IBS is found more often in women)
- Age (the condition is more prevalent in young people)
- Whether the bacteria are capable of producing certain toxins (some bacteria can produce toxins that disturb bowel function)
- Genetic factors
- Having sleep disturbances
- Having mucosal abnormalities in the GI tract
- Experiencing immune system dysfunction
- Having gut dysbiosis
What are the risk factors for PI-IBS?
Many factors can increase your risk of PI-IBS. They are often dependent on the following:
- The duration and severity of the initial illness or infection (the longer and more severe, the greater the risk)
- Psychological factors (chronic stress or anxiety and even adverse life events in the months before infection increase the risk)
- Gender (PI-IBS is found more often in women)
- Age (the condition is more prevalent in young people)
- Whether the bacteria are capable of producing certain toxins (some bacteria can produce toxins that disturb bowel function)
- Genetic factors
- Having sleep disturbances
- Having mucosal abnormalities in the GI tract
- Experiencing immune system dysfunction
- Having gut dysbiosis
What are the risk factors for PI-IBS?
Many factors can increase your risk of PI-IBS. They are often dependent on the following:
- The duration and severity of the initial illness or infection (the longer and more severe, the greater the risk)
- Psychological factors (chronic stress or anxiety and even adverse life events in the months before infection increase the risk)
- Gender (PI-IBS is found more often in women)
- Age (the condition is more prevalent in young people)
- Whether the bacteria are capable of producing certain toxins (some bacteria can produce toxins that disturb bowel function)
- Genetic factors
- Having sleep disturbances
- Having mucosal abnormalities in the GI tract
- Experiencing immune system dysfunction
- Having gut dysbiosis
Managing post-infectious IBS
As with regular IBS, there’s no cure for this condition, with treatment focusing on managing symptoms.
There are, however, a range of ways in which you may be able to manage your symptoms.
A healthcare professional can help you determine the best treatment option for your particular case.
Here are a few ways in which you can manage your PI-IBS symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
The following are the most common lifestyle changes suggested for managing PI-IBS:
- Participating in regular physical activity
- Reducing caffeine intake (caffeine stimulates the intestines)
- Eating smaller meals
- Minimising stress
- Partaking in talk therapy (to help manage things like stress, anxiety, or depression that could be making your condition worse)
- Taking probiotics to relieve gas and bloating
- Avoiding spicy and deep-fried foods
Dietary changes
A common diet that’s recommended for IBS is the low FODMAP (a type of carbohydrate found in certain food items) diet.
Studies have shown a link between FODMAP diets and common digestive issues.
Since symptoms of IBS tend to vary a lot among people with the condition, however, dietary changes that your doctor may recommend will also vary.
Medication
If your symptoms do not improve through lifestyle or dietary changes, your doctor might suggest the use of some medications.
You’ll often have to work with your doctor to find the right medication for you, as different people can respond differently to the same medication.
Your doctor will likely inquire about any medications that you’re already taking, including any herbal remedies, or over-the-counter medications so that they can avoid any medications that could react badly with them.
FAQ
Is post-infectious IBS a chronic condition?
While some people may eventually experience symptom alleviation, post-infectious IBS has the potential to develop into a chronic condition for some.
Can post-infectious IBS be prevented?
Since it is frequently brought on by an earlier infection, prevention is difficult. However, avoiding gastrointestinal infections and practising excellent hygiene may lessen the risk.
Are there any complications associated with post-infectious IBS?
The persistent symptoms of post-infectious IBS can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life, causing emotional distress and interfering with everyday activities even though the condition itself is not life-threatening.
Speak with a gastrointestinal specialist
At Sydney Gut Clinic, our team specialises in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including post-infectious IBS.
Schedule a consultation with a specialist today to increase your chances of finding relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS.