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The main symptom of amebic dysentery is diarrhea. This mean you get loose stools and you need to go the bathroom more often than usual.

You may also have:^{1 2 3}

• Diarrhea with blood or mucus in it
• Bleeding from your anal opening (rectum)
• Pain in your abdomen
• Pain when going to the bathroom
• Fever.

You may not feel like eating and you may lose weight.

Diarrhea can make your body lose too much water. This is sometimes called getting dehydrated. You need to make sure you drink plenty of water or soft drinks if you have diarrhea.

Rarely, the amoebas can break out of your bowels (intestines) and get into your liver. This can cause you to:^{1 3}

• Have a dull pain or tenderness in your abdomen
• Have a cough
• Lose your appetite
• Lose weight.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.