Docus AI Symptom Checker
Just 3 simple steps to efficiently understand and manage your health symptoms online.
Author
Dr. Lusine BadalianReviewed by
Dr. George LaliotisQuestion on this topic? Get an instant answer from AI Doctor.Instant answer from AI Doctor.
Quick Answer: No, constipation itself doesn’t cause a fever. However, when constipation and fever appear together, it’s often due to an underlying issue, like an infection, digestive blockage, or conditions such as diverticulitis or appendicitis.
It is important to find the main cause of these symptoms for effective treatment, especially in children.
Constipation is a common digestive issue that makes it difficult to pass stool. It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become hard and dry. This condition can affect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Constipation symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
These symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause and duration of constipation.
Just 3 simple steps to efficiently understand and manage your health symptoms online.
Constipation can result from various factors, common causes include:
Fever is a temporary rise in body temperature above the normal 98.6°F (37°C). It often indicates that the body is fighting an infection.
A fever is not always dangerous, but it can be a sign of a serious condition. It is a common symptom in many illnesses, acting as a natural defense mechanism.
Several factors can cause a fever:
Customize your AI Doctor to ask any health-related questions. Get instant answers and tailored health insights.
Constipation does not directly cause fever, but certain underlying conditions can cause both symptoms to appear at the same time:
Severe constipation can lead to a blockage in the intestines. This blockage can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes fever, as the body reacts to the obstruction.
Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract can lead to both constipation and fever. When these pouches become blocked or infected, it may cause pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
Diverticulitis often requires antibiotics or, in severe cases, surgery to treat the infection and relieve symptoms.
Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
These inflammatory bowel diseases can cause a range of symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
Early symptoms can sometimes include constipation or difficulty passing gas. Therefore, appendicitis is often missed in the early stages.
As the inflammation worsens, it can cause severe abdominal pain, usually in the lower right side, and a high fever.
Gastrointestinal infections, like gastroenteritis, can upset the digestive system. They cause inflammation and pain, which slow digestion and lead to constipation.
At the same time, the body’s immune response to the infection can cause a fever as it fights off the invading bacteria or viruses.
Certain medications may lead to both constipation and an increase in body temperature as potential side effects.
In some cases, constipation and fever may appear together without a direct connection. For example, someone might have constipation from a low-fiber diet and also get a cold or flu that causes a fever. These conditions can coexist but remain unrelated to each other.
Constipation and fever often raise concerns when they occur together in infants and young children. Their bodies respond differently to digestive issues and infections, making it crucial for parents to understand what might be happening and when to seek medical help.
Constipation in infants often occurs during key developmental stages, such as transitioning to solid foods or changing from breast milk to formula. This change may lead to harder stools and less frequent bowel movements.
Constipated infants may strain, arch their back, or cry during bowel movements due to the discomfort.
Note: It is common for infants to appear to strain during a bowel movement, but if they pass a soft stool afterward, it may not indicate true constipation.
Fever in infants may signal an infection, such as a cold, flu, or other viral and bacterial infections. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also common sources of fever, especially in girls.
Additionally, fevers in babies can result from more benign causes, such as a reaction to a recent vaccination or overheating on a warm day.
If constipation and fever appear together, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as a digestive infection or, rarely, an intestinal blockage.
Parents should consult a healthcare provider if the baby’s fever persists or if they appear uncomfortable or in pain.
Constipation in children is usually functional, without an organic cause (about 95% of all cases). Children may experience constipation due to a low-fiber diet, insufficient fluid intake, or avoiding bathroom breaks.
Dr. Michael Wilsey, a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, says:
“In children, constipation often results from changes in the diet or routine, during toilet training, or after an illness. Anything that gets children out of their normal routine can affect their stooling routine. Occasionally, children may stool withhold when they are reluctant to use unfamiliar toilet facilities. This occurs more commonly in school-age children.”
Some children may hold in their bowel movements if they fear pain or feel embarrassed to use public toilets at school, worsening constipation over time.
A child with constipation might have fewer bowel movements than usual, passing hard or painful stools, or avoiding the toilet altogether.
If a child experiences both constipation and fever, it may be due to conditions like appendicitis, severe infections, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Appendicitis, for example, may initially present as constipation before fever and severe abdominal pain develop. In such cases, prompt medical attention is crucial.
Fever in children can also result from infections like the flu, respiratory illnesses, or stomach bugs.
Constipation and fever can sometimes resolve with home care, but certain situations require medical attention.
It is important to consult a doctor if any of the following signs occur:
Proper diagnosis is important when constipation and fever occur together, especially in children. A healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, and ask about bowel habits, diet, and other symptoms like pain or vomiting.
To understand the cause, the doctor may suggest tests such as abdominal X-rays to identify blockages or large amounts of stool. Blood tests can reveal signs of infection or inflammation and stool samples can detect digestive infections. An ultrasound is important for detecting conditions like appendicitis or identifying structural issues in the digestive tract.
A consultation with a gastroenterologist may be necessary if symptoms persist or become severe. Specialized evaluations like colonoscopy or a colorectal transit study can help diagnose more complex conditions.
Treating constipation and fever depends on their causes. For mild cases, home remedies and lifestyle adjustments often provide relief. However, specific conditions like appendicitis or diverticulitis require more intensive treatment, such as antibiotics or surgery.
A healthy diet rich in fiber and fluids, along with regular physical activity, not only help manage constipation but also play a key role in preventing it.
Infants and children need special care when dealing with constipation and fever. Pureed fruits like prunes or pears can help ease constipation.
For babies, adequate breast milk or formula intake helps prevent dehydration. Older children may benefit from increased fiber and water, as well as a regular toilet routine.
For managing fever in infants, consult a pediatrician before giving any medication, as dosages vary with age.
It is important to monitor the child's comfort and temperature closely. Seek medical attention if the fever persists beyond 24 hours or if the child shows signs of severe discomfort or lethargy.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading experts in gastroenterology. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
Have a question on this topic? Submit it here and get an instant answer from our AI Doctor.
Please Note!This tool is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a professional before taking any actions.
Docus partners with topical medical experts to provide trusted health insights and second opinions in gastroenterology.
Talk to Docus AI Doctor, generate health reports, get them validated by Top Doctors from the US and Europe.
Explore the main causes of constipation during periods and effective ways to prevent and treat this condition.
Find out if antibiotics can cause constipation and learn how to manage antibiotic-induced conditions to maintain gut health.
Discover the link between hemorrhoids and constipation, their causes, effects, and effective management strategies.
Explore the connection between back pain and fever. Understand causes, treatment options, and the importance of timely medical consultation.
Discover how constipation can cause back pain, including symptoms, causes, and effective treatments to alleviate discomfort and improve wellness.