What does diarrhoea feel like with amoebiasis?

The bowel movements may be watery or loose and can come with cramping, an urgent need to use the toilet, gas or tenderness. Some people notice mucus, and stools may contain blood when the bowel lining is inflamed. Symptoms can vary, so the sensation alone cannot identify the cause.

Amoebiasis is an infection that can spread through contaminated food or water. Diarrhoea has many possible causes, including other infections, so testing may be needed before targeted treatment is chosen. Read more about the symptom on the Diarrhoea page.

Drink frequent small amounts of safe fluids and consider an oral rehydration solution if advised by a pharmacist or clinician. Eat light foods as tolerated, wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not take antibiotics left over from another illness, and ask a clinician before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine when there is blood, fever or severe pain.

Seek urgent care for blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration. Arrange medical assessment if diarrhoea persists, returns after travel or is accompanied by fever or weight loss. Children, older adults and people with other illnesses may need advice sooner.

Tell the clinician when symptoms began, stool changes, travel or water exposure, fever, pain and any medicines taken. Ask whether a stool test is needed and how to replace fluids safely.