Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often an overlooked consequence of severe or recurrent diarrheal infections. Many individuals recently diagnosed with IBS report that their symptoms initiated following an episode of food poisoning. This connection highlights how significant gastrointestinal disturbances can lead to long-term intestinal issues, such as IBS.

Research, particularly from Defense Department databases, indicates that individuals who experienced acute diarrheal infections during military deployment in the Middle East face a significantly increased risk—up to five times greater—of developing IBS. This evidence suggests a strong link between severe digestive events and the onset of IBS, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of this condition.