Photo: Eren Li

What does a infected colon feel like?

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.

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

What drinks to avoid to lose weight?

Drinks to avoid Sweetened soft drinks. Full of calories and low in nutrients, sweetened, carbonated beverages such as sodas do not aid weight loss....

Last updated Apr 25, 2019

What kind of tea is good for high blood pressure?

Some of the best teas for high blood pressure include chamomile, lavender, rose, and hibiscus. These teas are known for their ability to lower...

Last updated Sep 5, 2018

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

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.

How far does the tube go in a colonic?

The rectal nozzle or tube is the size of #2 pencil in diameter and about 1 1/2 to 2 inches are inserted in the rectum. The water arrives in the...

Last updated Nov 5, 2022

What time of day is body weight lowest?

Your lowest weight of the day will be after you wake up and empty your bladder. You may choose to weigh yourself at another time of day, but you...

Last updated Dec 10, 2018

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

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?

Does alcohol increase belly fat?

Alcohol can contribute to excess belly fat Extra calories end up stored as fat in the body. Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can quickly...

Last updated May 23, 2019

What foods can help detox your body?

9 Foods to Naturally Detox Asparagus. Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. ... Broccoli. Broccoli...

Last updated Feb 27, 2021

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

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 not to eat before bed?

Five worst foods for sleep Chocolate. High levels of caffeine in chocolate make it a poor choice for late-night snacking. ... Cheese. While cheese...

Last updated Jun 1, 2018

How do you sleep to poop in the morning?

Sleep on Your Left Side That's correct – the small intestine moves waste to your right side to make its way to the large intestine and then to the...

Last updated Nov 4, 2019

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What does beetroot do for the brain?

May support brain health The nitrates in beets may improve brain function by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow...

Last updated Apr 8, 2018

Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

What does put Vaseline on my face before bed do for my skin?

Locks in moisture Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline...

Last updated Jan 19, 2022