You may have a fever and constipation at the same time. This can happen due to infection. You may also experience constipation due to other medical conditions.
Constipation and fever can occur at the same time, but that does not mean that constipation caused your fever. Fever can be caused by an underlying condition that is also related to constipation.
For example, if your constipation is caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, the infection may cause a fever. The cause of fever is infection, not constipation, although it occurs at the same time.
Read on to learn more about what can cause constipation and fever.
Symptoms of constipation
If you have bowel movements less than three times a week, you are constipated. Other signs and symptoms include:
having hard or lumpy stools
that requires straining the stool
feeling that you cannot pass your stool completely
feeling as if there is an obstruction preventing you from passing stool
If you experience two or more of these symptoms, including having fewer than three bowel movements per week, your constipation may be considered chronic.
What causes constipation?
According to Harvard Medical School, constipation is usually not related to disease. It is usually caused by lifestyle, diet, or other factors that make stool hard or interfere with its ability to pass easily and comfortably.
Causes that can cause chronic constipation include:
nutritional problems, such as lack of sufficient fiber or liquid consumption
sedentary life
blockage in the rectum or colon, caused by conditions such as intestinal obstruction, colon, rectocele, rectal cancer, colon cancer.
nerve problems around the rectum and colon caused by conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, autonomic neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury.
bowel function problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
conditions that affect hormones, such as diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, pregnancy
problems with the pelvic muscles, such as dyssynergia and anismus
Can constipation cause fever in children?
If your child is constipated and has a fever, see your pediatrician. Other reasons to take your constipated child to the doctor include:
Constipation lasts more than 2 weeks
there is blood in their stool
they don’t eat
their stomachs are swollen
their stomachs cause pain
suffer from rectal prolapse (part of the bowel protruding from their anus)
Causes of constipation in children
When stool moves through the digestive tract very slowly, it can become hard and dry. This can cause constipation.
Contributors to your child’s constipation may include:
dietary changes using very little water or high-fiber foods
refraining from ignoring the urge to poop
toilet training issues to rebel by sticking to the stool
changes in normal transportation, getting stressed, and other changes
family history Children are more likely to develop constipation if they have family members who have had constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
allergic to milk who use cow’s milk and other dairy products
Although rare, constipation can be caused by an underlying condition, such as:
Endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism
neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy
medications, such as certain antidepressants
Treating constipation in children
Your pediatrician can give you long-term recommendations that include making sure your child gets enough:
fiber
liquids
practice
For immediate constipation problems, your pediatrician may recommend:
over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners.
OTC fiber supplements
glycerin candles
OTC laxatives
enema
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, you should never give your child stool softeners, laxatives, or enemas, unless specifically directed by your pediatrician.
Takeaway
Although constipation may not be the cause of your fever, these two conditions may be related.
If you have symptoms of chronic constipation or constipation along with other conditions, such as a fever, talk to your doctor. They can conduct a thorough examination and recommend a treatment plan.
If your child has been constipated for longer than 2 weeks, take him to the pediatrician. Take them without delay if you have constipation and:
fever
blood in the stool
lack of appetite
stomach swelling
pain during urination
