Fever, Diarrhea, and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help?

Fever, diarrhea, and bloody stools?

Hello, Dr.
Chen! Two days ago, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea several times, along with general weakness.
That afternoon, I suddenly felt cold, and within a few minutes, my temperature rose to 38.6 degrees Celsius.
Although the rapid test was negative, I was hesitant to go to the hospital due to the current pandemic, so I took antipyretics and focused on hydration and rest.
My temperature did not decrease significantly and remained around 38 degrees Celsius throughout the night, but finally, it broke the fever by the next morning.
Yesterday, my temperature dropped to about 37.5 degrees Celsius, and the rapid test continued to be negative.
However, I still have blood in my stool (which is now normal in shape but somewhat soft) and feel nauseous after meals.
I'm unsure if I should see a doctor.
Thank you!

Ms. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/01

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

If you experience bloody stools, seek medical attention promptly.

Reply Date: 2022/10/01

More Info

When experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and blood in the stool, it is crucial to understand the potential underlying causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, you have been dealing with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and a fever that peaked at 38.6 degrees Celsius. Although your rapid test for infections came back negative, the presence of blood in your stool and ongoing gastrointestinal discomfort warrants further evaluation.

Understanding the Symptoms:
1. Fever: A fever is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection. In your case, the fever that reached 38.6 degrees Celsius indicates that your body is responding to some form of illness.

2. Diarrhea: This can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, or gastrointestinal disorders. The fact that you have experienced diarrhea multiple times suggests that your gastrointestinal system is under stress.

3. Blood in Stool: The presence of blood in your stool, even if it is in a normal shape but soft, is concerning. It can indicate several conditions ranging from benign issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even gastrointestinal bleeding.

When to Seek Medical Help:
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent fever that does not respond to over-the-counter medications.

- Severe abdominal pain that worsens or does not improve.

- Blood in the stool, especially if it is bright red or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or weakness.

- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or extreme fatigue.

- Ongoing nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

Given that you have already experienced a fever and blood in your stool, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a physical examination, blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Precautions During the Pandemic:
While you mentioned concerns about visiting a hospital during the pandemic, many healthcare facilities have implemented safety protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Telemedicine options are also available, allowing you to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your home. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, it is essential to prioritize your health and seek medical care.

Conclusion:
In summary, while some gastrointestinal issues can resolve on their own, the combination of fever, diarrhea, and blood in the stool is significant enough to warrant medical evaluation. It is better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Fever, Diarrhea, and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help?

Hello, Dr. Chen! Two days ago, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea several times, along with overall weakness. That afternoon, I suddenly felt chills, and within a few minutes, my temperature rose to 38.6 degrees Celsius. Although the rapid test was negati...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If you experience bloody stools, seek medical attention promptly.

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

This afternoon at 3:30 during class, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain and had diarrhea. I just returned home and had another bowel movement, which was less than before and accompanied by fresh blood. The stool was yellow, and I noticed solid strands resembling blood in the t...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Acute gastroenteritis accompanied by fever is quite common. As for the presence of blood in the stool, it may be due to severe diarrhea leading to the rupture of hemorrhoids or causing anal fissures that result in bleeding.

Understanding Severe Symptoms: Blood in Stool, Fever, and Chest Pain

Hello doctor, on August 31, I experienced muscle soreness, and on September 1, I developed a fever. I went to the clinic for a consultation and received medication. On September 2, I still had a fever, along with chest tightness and difficulty breathing, so I went to the emergenc...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Rectal bleeding is considered an abnormal symptom and can range from common conditions like hemorrhoids to more serious gastrointestinal diseases. Although emergency blood tests, electrocardiograms, and X-rays may return normal results, the cause of persistent and significant rec...

Understanding Diarrhea with Blood: When to Seek Medical Help

In the past two weeks, due to weight loss, I have been eating lighter foods (boiled chicken breast, fish, boiled eggs, cabbage, a little chili, and grapes). However, I have noticed that my bowel movements have been consistently diarrhea for about five days, and in the last two da...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Due to persistent diarrhea, the intestinal mucosa experiences excessive friction and damage, leading to a bleeding condition. If this continues, it may allow previously symbiotic bacterial strains to penetrate through the damaged mucosa and attack the body, resulting in condition...