Bowel infection

A bowel infection, also known as gastroenteritis or enteritis, refers to the inflammation of the intestines, usually caused by an infection from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Talk to an AHPRA-accredited online doctor to manage bowel infection from anywhere in Australia, 24/7.

When to consult a doctor for bowel infection?

If symptoms are severe or worsening

If you notice severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine), high fever above 38.5°C, intense stomach pain, or blood in stool or vomit, these may indicate a serious infection. Seek medical help immediately.

If symptoms last longer than expected

If you have diarrhoea or vomiting that continues for more than 2–3 days without improvement, or you experience unexplained weight loss or difficulty eating, consult a doctor for proper evaluation.

If you have a weak immune system

If you are someone with weak immunity due to chronic illness, chemotherapy, or other medical conditions, you should see a doctor early, as even mild bowel infections can worsen quickly.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

Causes and symptoms

Bowel infection causes

Eating undercooked, spoiled, or improperly handled food and drinking unclean or untreated water.
Inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or before eating.
Viral infections like norovirus spread rapidly through person-to-person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.

Bowel infection symptoms

Frequent, loose, or watery stools, which may contain mucus or blood
Discomfort or cramping in the stomach area
Feeling sick or vomiting
A mild to high temperature
A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
Reduced desire to eat
Feeling tired and run down, often due to dehydration and loss of nutrients.

Types and prevention

Types of bowel infections

Bacterial bowel infections: Caused by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium difficile (C. diff). These infections are often linked to contaminated food, water, poor hygiene or overuse of antibiotics (C. diff).
Viral bowel infections: Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus cause viral gastroenteritis. These are highly contagious and often spread through contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces, or food.
Parasitic bowel infections: Caused by parasites like Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium. These are usually contracted from contaminated water or food, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Fungal bowel infections: Though rare, in individuals with weakened immune systems, fungi like Candida can affect the intestines, leading to digestive issues, though these cases are uncommon.

Prevention on GP’s advice

Maintain hand hygiene, especially before eating
Drink clean water and eat well-cooked food
Avoid unpasteurised products
Disinfect surfaces
Use probiotics

Telehealth assessment for bowel infection

It is important to speak to a GP first to understand and manage your symptoms.

Hola Health provides a convenient way for you to consult a doctor online, 24/7 across Australia. Our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care.

Start your GP consult now

Clinical note: An online GP consult provides medical advice for gastrointestinal symptoms and evaluates if an in-person assessment, physical examination (to check for abdominal tenderness or severe dehydration), or diagnostic tests (such as stool pathology) are required. Telehealth is a complementary service; an in-person examination is generally needed for assessing signs of acute surgical abdomen or severe fluid loss. Online GPs can provide pathology referrals for stool cultures, a doctor’s certificate, prescriptions, or rehydration advice if clinically indicated. Diagnosis via telehealth relies on the accuracy of the symptoms reported, including frequency of bowel movements and fluid intake. In case of an inability to keep fluids down, blood in the stool, severe/sharp abdominal pain, or signs of shock (confusion/rapid heart rate), call 000 or visit an Emergency Department immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.