Postinfectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Opinion statement  

–	Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) should be considered in patients who present with a change in bowel habits or an onset of new abdominal pain or discomfort following a recent confirmed or presumed exposure to infectious organisms, or in those who have recently returned from a tropical or developing country.
–	In patients who are greatly distressed by their symptoms, an extended workup early in the course of their illness may give physician and patient confidence in focusing on IBS.
–	The author favors a proactive, multicomponent approach to management, as it gives the physician and patient a sense of control.
–	Treatment should include stress management, dietary advice to minimize exposure to trigger foods, and pharmacotherapy to alleviate anxiety and target disturbed physiology.