Two bits of recent research show that a bout of food poisoning is a major independent risk factor for developing IBS.

Spanish researchers Luis A García Rodríguez and Ana Ruigómez found that in the general population the rate of classic IBS (as determined by the modified Rome criteria) was 0.3% and in those who had suffered gastroenteritis, the rate was much higher at 4.4%. This is about the same as the rate of 7% found by Keith R Neal, John Hebden and Robin Spiller of the Department of Gastroenterology Queens Medical Centre Nottingham. They also found that 25% had some digestive problems 6 months on.

If you get a serious gastric infection, be sure to get it properly treated by your GP.