After a C. diff infection is resolved, some people still experience symptoms in their gut. C. diff infections, and the treatments you take to resolve them, can do enough damage to the gut to result in a new condition called post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, post-infectious IBS isn’t caused by an active C. diff infection.

What’s the difference between post-infectious IBS and a C. diff infection?

There are a few ways to figure out, based on the symptoms you’re experiencing, whether you have a C. diff infection or post-infectious IBS.

It’s more likely to be post-infectious IBS if:

• You feel well aside from your gastrointestinal symptoms
• Your symptoms vary from day to day
• You don’t have a fever, blood in your stool, or severe pain
• Your symptoms are greatly affected by eating, in general or with certain kinds of foods
• You recently tested negative for active C. diff toxin*

It’s more likely to be a C. diff infection if:

• Your diarrhea suddenly becomes watery and frequent again
• You feel ill (fever, chills, nausea) in addition to your symptoms
• Your symptoms are getting rapidly worse
• Your white blood cell count is getting higher or your kidney function is worsening*

*These signs require testing, done by a medical professional.

How can I manage post-infectious IBS?

It’s important to remember that it takes time, sometimes months, for your gut to heal from a C. diff infection. You can introduce strategies to manage your symptoms over time, and pay attention to what helps you the most. Make sure to talk to your doctor before you start or stop taking any medications or supplements–including probiotics or fermented food.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms. They may suggest something other than PI-IBS.

• High fever, usually defined as a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Blood in the stool
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Frequent, watery diarrhea (more than 3 times per day for over 2 days)
• Signs of dehydration
• Weight loss that can’t be explained by factors like diet, exercise, or other illnesses

For more information about post-infectious IBS and how you can manage life after C. diff, download our patient flyer here.