Perfectionists are more prone to developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after an infection , a study has suggested, University of Southampton researchers asked 620 people with gastroenteritis about stress and their illness. Those who pushed themselves or were particularly anxious about symptoms were more likely to develop IBS. Experts said the study, published in Gut,my explain why only some people develop IBS after a gut infection. Up to one in 10 people develop it after a having a bacterial gut infection, having previously been healthy. Such infections cause infalmmation and ulceration in the bowel and can cause severe vomiting and rectal bleeding.