Bowel Infection Treatment

You should consult a doctor for a bowel infection if:

• Severe dehydration: Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness, reduced urination, or dark urine.
• Blood in stool or vomit: If you notice blood in your stool or vomit, it could indicate a more serious infection that needs medical evaluation.
• High fever: A persistent fever above 101°F (38.3°C) that doesn’t improve with rest or fluids.
• Severe abdominal pain: Intense or persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Prolonged symptoms: If diarrhoea or vomiting lasts for more than 2-3 days without improvement.
• Weak immune system: If you have a weakened immune system due to a chronic condition, chemotherapy, or other factors.
• Unexplained weight loss: Unintended weight loss or difficulty maintaining food intake.

Bowel infections can be classified based on the type of organism causing them. Here are the common types:

• 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). Symptoms typically include diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, and vomiting.
• 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. Common symptoms include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.
• 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. Symptoms include prolonged diarrhoea, weight loss, mucus and blood in stool, bloating, and fatigue.
• 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.

Bowel infections are caused by the invasion of harmful microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the intestines. This leads to inflammation and digestive issues. Common causes include:

• Contaminated food or water: Eating undercooked, spoiled, or improperly handled food and drinking unclean or untreated water.
• Poor hygiene: Inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or before eating can easily spread infection.
• Infected individuals: Viral infections like norovirus spread rapidly through person-to-person contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.
• Travel: Consuming local food or water in regions with poor sanitation can increase the risk of parasitic and bacterial infections often called traveller’s diarrhoea.
• Antibiotic use: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immunity are more vulnerable to bowel infections from even minor exposures.

The symptoms of a bowel infection can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

• Diarrhoea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools which may contain mucus or blood in case of bacterial or parasitic infections.
• Abdominal pain: Discomfort or cramping in the stomach area, often relieved after a bowel movement.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick or vomiting, particularly with viral and bacterial infections.
• Fever: A mild to high temperature, especially in bacterial or severe viral infections.
• Bloating and gas: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen due to trapped gas.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat because of nausea, pain, or general unwellness.
• Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired and run down, often due to dehydration and loss of nutrients.
• Dehydration: Signs include dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, and dark-coloured urine, especially with persistent diarrhoea and vomiting.

Yes, many bowel infections are contagious, especially those caused by viruses and certain bacteria. Infections like norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli, and Salmonella can easily spread through contact with infected individuals, contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, safe food preparation, and avoiding close contact with infected people, are essential to reduce the risk of catching or passing on a bowel infection.

Yes, bowel infections can often be prevented with simple hygiene and safety practices. Here’s how:

• Hand hygiene: Especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling raw food.
• Drink clean water: Use filtered, boiled, or bottled water in areas with questionable water quality.
• Eat well-cooked food: Ensure meats, eggs, and seafood are thoroughly cooked to safe temperatures.
• Avoid unpasteurised products: Skip raw milk, juices, or dairy products from unknown or untrusted sources.
• Practise good food hygiene: Wash fruits and vegetables well and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
• Be cautious when travelling: In high-risk areas, avoid street food, ice cubes, and tap water.
• Disinfect surfaces: Clean kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and communal spaces regularly.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Such as towels, utensils, or drinking glasses with an infected person.
• Properly handle leftovers: Store and reheat leftovers safely to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use probiotics: If suggested by a health practitioner, to maintain healthy gut bacteria.

Yes, an online doctor can help with a bowel infection by assessing your symptoms, medical history, and severity of your condition. They can recommend appropriate treatment or suggest over-the-counter remedies and dietary changes. If your symptoms are severe, they may refer you for in-person care or tests. It’s a convenient, fast way to get medical advice through a telehealth appointment without leaving home, especially for mild to moderate cases.

Getting an online prescription through Hola Health is a hassle-free process. To start, visit Hola Health website or app. Click on the consultation type, fill in your details along with your Medicare information. Make the payment through a secure payment gateway. You will get connected with a registered practitioner within minutes. If the doctor approves, you will receive an instant script within 15 minutes via SMS.

Yes, an online doctor can provide referrals for a bowel infection if needed. They can assess your symptoms and issue referrals for pathology tests, radiology scans, or specialist consultations such as a gastroenterologist. If your symptoms suggest a more serious issue, these referrals help ensure you get the right investigations and care. It’s a convenient, fast option to manage your health without waiting for a clinic appointment.

Yes, with Hola Health, you can access a night doctor for an online consultation whenever you need it. Our Australian-registered doctors are available after hours to assess your symptoms, provide medical advice, issue prescriptions, medical certificates, or referrals if required. Whether it’s late at night, early morning, weekends or public holidays, Hola Health makes quality healthcare convenient and accessible from the comfort of your home.

Get a medical certificate from the comfort of your home with Hola Health:

• Select the type of medical certificate you need
• Enter your details, including Medicare information, and complete the payment
• An AHPRA-accredited telehealth doctor or practitioner will review your request or connect with you for a quick consultation within 15 minutes
• If approved, your medical certificate will be sent straight to your registered email.

Connect with an AHPRA-registered online doctor anytime, anywhere in Australia. With Hola Health, you can book a telehealth appointment 24/7, including after-hours, weekends, and public holidays.

• Get a valid medical certificate online for work, school, or university, without needing to visit a clinic.
• Request fast online scripts in Australia and receive your eScript via SMS within 15 minutes.
• Book a telehealth GP appointment online for general health concerns, mental health support, medication advice, and more.
• Access instant online doctor referrals for specialists, blood tests, pathology tests, and radiology imaging.
• Eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan? Get it bulk-billed from home with a simple online doctor consultation.
• Plus, enjoy fast prescription delivery in Australia, straight to your door.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth appointment 24/7
• Doctor-approved scripts online Australia
• Legitimate medical certificates Australia
• Get a GP referral online