Persistent Gastrointestinal Discomfort and Fever: When to Seek Medical Help?

Gastrointestinal discomfort accompanied by recurrent fever lasting for 10 days?

I have the following symptoms: On November 19th, around 4 or 5 PM, I ate bacon bread that had been heated in the morning and half a sesame bread from the fridge, followed by udon soup for dinner.
I started feeling discomfort in my stomach around 7 to 9 PM (I can't remember if I went to the bathroom; if I did, it was just once).
I experienced bloating (I had mild bloating for the past few days, possibly related to my menstrual cycle), and I had pain in the upper part of my abdomen.
Before bed, I took Zhang Guozhou's stomach-strengthening powder, but I still felt pain afterward.
On November 20th, I woke up feeling much better.
For breakfast, I had coffee and cheese toast, but the pain returned while I was cooking lunch.
The pain persisted until the evening.
During my afternoon nap, I occasionally felt cold.
I went to the bathroom twice (once in the morning and once in the afternoon).
In the evening, I had a fever of 38°C.
On November 21st, I still had a headache, and while my stomach felt a bit better, there was still pain.
My temperature was 37.8°C.
I went to the bathroom once in the morning and had a bowl of congee.
I visited a doctor, who said that since I had a fever, it was likely a viral gastroenteritis, and that I mainly needed to rely on my immune system to recover.
I was prescribed medication to take home (the doctor mentioned that the medication was only to relieve symptoms, so I would probably take it for about a day and a half).
On November 24th, I felt some discomfort in my stomach again in the afternoon.
My temperature was 38.1°C around 5 PM, and I felt a bit nauseous.
On November 27th, my temperature was 38°C.
I had stomach pain and some nausea.
During my nap, I felt very cold at one point, even under three blankets, but later I felt warm again.
I woke up at 5:30 PM with a temperature of 38.6°C, and by 7 PM, it was 38°C, remaining at that temperature until I went to bed.
On November 28th, aside from some stomach discomfort, I felt fine otherwise.
At night, I experienced slight nausea and bloating.
In summary, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort since the 19th (no vomiting or diarrhea, just pain and bloating) and have had recurring fevers for nearly 10 days.
I felt somewhat better yesterday and today, but my stomach still feels uncomfortable.
I would like to know if this is truly just a viral infection that will resolve on its own, or if I need to see a doctor again.
Thank you.

QQ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/29

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, if you have a persistent fever that has not improved, it is strongly recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist to determine the cause.
Generally, if it is merely a gastrointestinal viral infection, the duration should not be prolonged, and most cases are self-limiting.
If the fever persists for more than a week, it may be necessary to consider other underlying causes.
Please note: online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2016/11/29

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you have been experiencing persistent gastrointestinal discomfort accompanied by fever for nearly ten days. This situation can be concerning, and it's important to understand when to seek medical help.

Initially, your symptoms began after consuming certain foods, which could suggest a possible foodborne illness or gastrointestinal infection. The fact that you experienced abdominal pain, bloating, and fever indicates that your body is likely responding to an infection, possibly viral in nature, as suggested by your doctor. Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as a "stomach virus," can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Typically, these infections are self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own with supportive care, such as hydration and rest.

However, the persistence of your symptoms over ten days raises some red flags. While viral infections can last several days, if you are experiencing ongoing abdominal pain, recurrent fever, and a feeling of nausea, it may be time to reassess your condition. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to seek further medical attention:
1. Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms have lasted longer than a week without significant improvement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Prolonged symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as bacterial gastroenteritis, which may require antibiotic treatment.

2. Severity of Symptoms: If your abdominal pain becomes severe or if you experience new symptoms such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in your stool, you should seek immediate medical care. Severe pain or changes in bowel habits can indicate complications that need to be addressed.

3. Fever Patterns: A fever that persists for several days, especially if it is above 38°C (100.4°F), warrants further evaluation. Continuous fever can be a sign of infection that may not be resolving on its own.

4. Dehydration Signs: If you notice signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, dizziness, or weakness, you should seek medical attention. Dehydration can occur with gastrointestinal illnesses and may require intravenous fluids for treatment.

5. Underlying Health Conditions: If you have any pre-existing health conditions or a weakened immune system, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider sooner rather than later, as you may be at higher risk for complications.

6. Response to Treatment: If you have been taking over-the-counter medications or following your doctor's advice but are not seeing any improvement, it may be time to revisit your healthcare provider for a reassessment.

In summary, while your symptoms may initially suggest a viral infection, the duration and persistence of your discomfort and fever indicate that further evaluation may be necessary. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health matters. If you feel that your condition is not improving or if you develop any concerning symptoms, please do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide the necessary evaluations and treatments to help you recover.

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