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Falling sick is everyone’s nightmare. It becomes more problematic when two conditions occur simultaneously, such as fever and constipation.
If you are wondering if constipation causes a fever, keep reading to find the answers!
Constipation cannot cause fever, but sometimes certain conditions associated with it can be the reason. This article will discuss various reasons for having fever and constipation at the same time.
What are Symptoms of Fever and Constipation?
- Fever: Fever is the body’s response to an infection or illness. A higher-than-normal temperature activates the immune system and kills microbes. Common symptoms are body temperature at 100.4°F (38°C), weakness, and skin being hot or warm to the touch.
- Constipation: Condition is a condition in which stool moves through the colon slower than usual. Common symptoms are hard, lumpy, and dry stool, difficulty in passing stool, and a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
What Are the Reasons for Having Fever and Constipation at the Same Time?
A person might suffer from fever and constipation at the same time. This could be for several reasons and conditions linking the two.
Sometimes, an infection may cause both fever and constipation at the same time. It is also possible that both might occur at the same time without being related to each other. Alternatively, at times, behavioral changes due to fever, like eating differently, might result in changes in bowel movements.
What Causes Constipation and Fever?
Constipation cannot cause a fever directly, but certain health conditions may cause a person to experience both constipation and fever at the same time. These include:
- Infections: Gastrointestinal tract infections may lead to several symptoms like vomiting, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel movement (1).
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulas are small pouches that bulge out from the lining of the digestive system. When these pouches get inflamed and infected, it may lead to diverticulitis. This condition can cause both fever and constipation to occur at the same time (2).
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis starts near the belly button and moves down to the right. It may cause fever, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite (3).
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Common symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease are fever, constipation, rectal bleeding, diarrhea etc. This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the digestive system (4).
- Medications: Sometimes, taking medicines, especially antibiotics, to cure an illness may result in fever and constipation of the same type (5).
Keep in mind that having both constipation and fever at the same time does not necessarily mean that they have the same cause. At times, they might occur simultaneously but due to different causes.
What Causes Fever and Constipation in Children?
Children worldwide commonly suffer from functional constipation. Having a fever is one of the reasons for functional constipation. For example, illnesses like chicken pox, tonsillitis, and ear infections may cause a child to develop a fever. Due to fever, the child may become less active, and the diet may change accordingly. This may result in constipation.
Other reasons for functional constipation in children include the following-
- not getting an adequate fibrous diet
- dehydration
- change from breast milk to cow’s milk or formula
- anxiety around the bathroom
- excessive parental pressure
- pain during defecation
- difficulty with toilet training
How to Treat Constipation and Fever?
Treatment for both constipation and fever depends on the underlying reason. If it is an infection, it may clear up on its own. In case the symptoms persist for more than 1-2 days, seek immediate medical attention.
For adults to get temporary relief from fever and constipation, they must drink sufficient water, eat fibrous food, and wear comfortable, light clothes. They may also take over-the-counter laxatives and rest well to gain energy.
In the case of children suffering from both fever and constipation, the parents or caregivers should ensure that they stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet. Also, do not give laxatives or over-the-counter drugs to the children without consulting the doctor.
Do not bathe the children in cold water. If the symptoms get worse or keep coming back, consult a pediatrician.
How to Prevent Constipation and Fever
To prevent constipation and fever, it is essential to maintain hygiene and take good care of your health. This can be achieved by taking the following precautions-
- Regularly wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom.
- Sanitize all places that come in touch regularly, and disinfect bathrooms and kitchens.
- Ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly, and do not consume leftover food
- Do not share personal items like toothbrushes, razor with anyone
- Avoid eating with same utensils
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Regularly exercise
- Maintain a routine of bowel movement
Conclusion
Constipation and fever may occur at the same time, but constipation does not cause fever. Sometimes, they may occur together due to different reasons or ailments at the same time. It is also possible that a condition like diverticulitis may result in the occurrence of fever and constipation at the same time.
It is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices and intake a balanced fibrous diet if suffering from fever and constipation at the same time. Seek a healthcare provider if the condition persists for a long time. Treatment would largely depend on the underlying reason for fever and constipation.
Image Source – freepik
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