What are the symptoms of stool infection?

Some people also get blood in their stools (poo), including in cases of an infection known as dysentery. Blood in stools can be caused bacteria or parasites. ... Some common symptoms of bowel infection include: diarrhoea. nausea. vomiting. crampy abdominal pain. fever. headache.

healthdirect.gov.au - Bowel infections (intestinal infections) - symptoms and treatment

How do you keep shrimp from getting tough in gumbo?

Shrimp should be added at the end of cooking so it doesn't get rubbery. Okra should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep its...

Last updated Jan 2, 2023

What food should I cut out to lose belly fat?

A high intake of refined carbs is associated with excessive belly fat. Consider reducing your carb intake or replacing refined carbs in your diet...

Last updated Mar 16, 2018

Promotion

Key facts Bowel infections are caused by microorganisms (‘bugs’, or germs) in the gut, and are sometimes called gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis). You can get a bowel infection by consuming contaminated water or food, or by having contact with another person who has the infection. Bowel infections can be caused by viruses (such as the rotavirus), bacteria (e.g. salmonella) and parasites (e.g. giardia). You should see your doctor if symptoms are severe, you have a fever, there's blood or mucus in you stools (poo), you have signs of dehydration or if diarrhoea has lasted more than 2 or 3 days.

What is a bowel infection?

Bowel infections are caused by microorganisms (‘bugs’, or germs) that have found their way into your gut. The gut (also called bowel or intestine), is part of your digestive system. An infection of the bowel is sometimes called a gastrointestinal infection, or gastroenteritis or (gastro). You can get gastroenteritis by eating or drinking contaminated water or food. This is often called food poisoning) You can also get gastroenteritis from contact with germs through infected people or contaminated objects such as cutlery, taps, toys or nappies. Bowel infections are common in Australia, but people also frequently get infected when travelling overseas. Infections of the bowel can affect anyone at any time. They can cause a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. They can sometimes lead to more serious problems.

What are the symptoms of bowel infection?

Some common symptoms of bowel infection include:

Some people also get blood in their stools (poo), including in cases of an infection known as dysentery. Blood in stools can be caused bacteria or parasites. But it may be something more serious. You should always see a doctor if you have blood in your stools.

What are the most common causes of bowel infections?

Bowel infections caused by viruses often have symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. They usually get better within 1 to 2 days.

Viruses that can cause bowel infections include the following:

Rotavirus: common in young children; spreads easily through contact with contaminated vomit or faeces (poo). Norovirus: highly contagious and spreads easily in places like childcare centres, nursing homes and cruise ships. Bacterial bowel infections often have symptoms of fever and diarrhoea. Bacteria that can cause bowel infections include the following. Campylobacter: often linked with eating contaminated chicken. People most at risk are the young, older people, travellers and people who are malnourished.

Can dogs eat bacon?

Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content, which can prove to be too much for a dog's stomach to handle. Eating a large...

Last updated May 16, 2020

Where does butter go in the fridge?

The Lower Shelves The best place to store your butter is toward the back of your fridge where the temperature is more consistently cold. Some say...

Last updated Jan 23, 2018

Promotion

Salmonella: usually spread via contaminated meat, poultry or eggs.

Shigella: most common in travellers to developing countries.

Clostridium difficile: usually linked to recently taking antibiotics or being in hospital.

Parasites that can cause bowel infections include the following.

Giardia: spread in the faeces of infected people and animals. It is most common in young children, hikers, and travellers.

Cryptosporidiosis: spread by contaminated food or water.

Amoebiasis: mostly affects young adults. It is usually spread via contaminated water or food. If you often get bowel symptoms such as diarrhoea, it could be a sign that you have an underlying condition such as diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. You should see your doctor for advice.

When should I see my doctor?

Make an appointment to see a doctor if you have:

severe symptoms

a high temperature (fever)

severe abdominal (tummy) pain

blood or mucus in your stools

diarrhoea that lasts longer than 2 or 3 days

signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst or not passing much urine

If your baby is younger than 3 months old and has diarrhoea, see a doctor right away.

You should take children to the emergency department if they:

are showing signs of dehydration (not passing urine, pale, sunken eyes, cold hands or feet or is very cranky)

can't keep fluids down

have bad stomach pain

are generally unwell, including being less responsive, not feeding well or are feverish

Toddlers and young children should see a doctor if:

they have diarrhoea that doesn't go away

there is blood in their poo

they are losing weight

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How are bowel infections diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may ask some questions and examine you. They might recommend some tests, such as:

faecal testing (taking a stool sample)

blood tests

an endoscopy (such as colonoscopy) to look inside your bowel

In some cases, you might be referred to an infectious diseases service.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Our Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How are bowel infections treated?

How to lose 20 pounds in 20 days?

How To Lose 20 Pounds Fast In 2 Weeks? Make A Commitment. You may see this as obvious, but losing weight will be a hard nut to crack without your...

Last updated Feb 25, 2019

What are the warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency a pale yellow tinge to your skin. a sore and red tongue (glossitis) mouth ulcers. pins and needles...

Last updated May 4, 2021

Promotion

Most bowel infections go away after a few days.

It’s important that you drink plenty of fluids, including water and oral rehydration drinks. This is to avoid dehydration. Oral rehydration drinks are available from pharmacies and some supermarkets. Some brands are also available as icy poles. Diarrhoea causes a lot of fluid to be lost from the body. Take special care of vulnerable people like the very young, older people and those in poor health. Children who refuse water and oral rehydration drinks can be given diluted apple juice in the short-term. Babies who are breastfeeding need to be breastfed more often to keep up their fluids. Formula-fed babies should be given oral rehydration solution or water for the first 12 hours. After that, give their normal formula in smaller, more frequent amounts.

Some people need antibiotics for bowel infections caused by parasites and bacteria.

If your symptoms persist, see a doctor.

Can bowel infections be prevented?

Many bowel infections can be prevented by taking care with what you eat and drink, and by following good hygiene practices. You should:

Cook foods such as meat and eggs thoroughly.

Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching food.

Avoid close contact with people who have a bowel infection.

When travelling to areas where clean water and food hygiene cannot be guaranteed, you should:

only use bottled water for drinking and teeth cleaning

avoid drinks with ice

choose freshly cooked foods that are served steaming hot

avoid raw or under-cooked foods (especially meat or seafood)

avoid fresh salads, peeled fruit, unpasteurised milk or milk products

avoid food from roadside stalls

If you need to know more about bowel infections, or to get advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Other languages

Health Translations has several translated factsheets on conditions related to diarrhoea.

healthdirect.gov.au - Bowel infections (intestinal infections) - symptoms and treatment

What foods drop insulin?

These foods include: sweet potatoes. quinoa. legumes. low fat milk. leafy greens. nonstarchy vegetables. nuts and seeds. meat. More items...

Last updated Apr 22, 2018

What foods make you sleepy?

Here are the 9 best foods and drinks you can have before bed to enhance your quality of sleep. Almonds. Almonds are a type of tree nut with many...

Last updated Mar 2, 2020

Promotion

Can I eat salad on a keto diet?

They're high in healthy vegetables, protein, fiber, and fats. In fact, if you're hungry on a keto diet, there's practically nothing better to eat...

Last updated Apr 1, 2019

Promotion

Why are carrots not low carb?

Are carrots OK on low carb? Carrots contain about 7 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. On a keto low-carb diet (below 20 grams per day) you may want...

Last updated Oct 13, 2019