Persistent Diarrhea and Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Insights

Persistent diarrhea with low-grade fever?

Hello, Dr.
Chen! I have been experiencing diarrhea and a mild fever for two weeks now.
The diarrhea occurs two to three times a day, with a slightly loose consistency and a yellow-brown color, without any blood or other abnormalities.
My temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, which decreases after bowel movements.
During these two weeks, I had two instances of more formed stools, but they quickly returned to a loose consistency.
Recently, I have been eating toast and meat broth, but the symptoms persist.
What could this condition be?

Mai Ke, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/13

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, it may be due to incomplete recovery from gastroenteritis.
It is recommended to adjust your medication and maintain a light diet.
If there is no improvement, a colonoscopy may be considered.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2018/08/13

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding persistent diarrhea and low-grade fever. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing these symptoms for two weeks, with diarrhea occurring two to three times daily, presenting as slightly loose and yellow-brown in color, without any blood or other alarming signs. Your body temperature has been around 37 degrees Celsius, and you mentioned that your temperature tends to decrease after bowel movements.
There are several potential causes for your symptoms that we can explore. Persistent diarrhea accompanied by a low-grade fever can indicate a variety of underlying issues, including infections, inflammatory conditions, or even dietary intolerances.

1. Infectious Causes: One of the most common reasons for diarrhea and fever is an infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as the "stomach flu," is a frequent cause of such symptoms. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter, can also lead to diarrhea and fever. Parasitic infections, while less common, can occur, especially if there has been exposure to contaminated water or food.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause persistent diarrhea and fever. These diseases are characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.

3. Food Intolerances or Allergies: Sometimes, persistent diarrhea can be a result of food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. If you have recently changed your diet or consumed foods that you may be intolerant to, this could explain your symptoms.

4. Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: If you have taken antibiotics recently, this could disrupt the normal gut flora, leading to diarrhea. Clostridium difficile infection is a specific concern in this context, as it can occur following antibiotic use.

5. Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress and lifestyle can also contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have been under significant stress or have made changes to your routine, this could manifest as digestive issues.

Given your symptoms, it is essential to monitor for any additional signs, such as severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or blood in your stool, which would warrant immediate medical attention.

Recommendations:
- Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial.

- Diet: Continue with a bland diet, such as toast and broth, but consider gradually reintroducing other foods that are easy to digest, like bananas, rice, and applesauce.

- Medical Evaluation: Since your symptoms have persisted for two weeks, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend stool tests to check for infections, blood tests to assess for inflammation, or imaging studies if necessary.

In conclusion, while there are various potential causes for your persistent diarrhea and low-grade fever, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to determine the underlying issue and appropriate treatment. Please take care of yourself, and do not hesitate to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.

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