low grade fever constipation child is a common problem that can be easily treated with some slight diet changes and adequate hydration. If you notice additional concerning symptoms like a severe abdominal pain, blood-coated stool or persistent diarrhea, take your child to the doctor right away to be sure nothing serious is going on.
Constipation occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causing it to become hard and dry. Children who are constipated will go to the toilet fewer than three times per week or have bowel movements that resemble Types 3 through 6 on the Bristol Stool Chart. Symptoms of constipation include a feeling of fullness or bloating, tummy pain and a hard poop that resembles pellets.
Decoding the Connection: Low-Grade Fever and Constipation in Children
Fever may accompany constipation in some children due to a gastrointestinal infection. In this case, the fever is caused by the body’s natural response to fight off the infection, not the constipation itself.
Children may also develop a low-grade fever due to dehydration, which is common with constipation. This can occur when a child is not getting enough fluids or if they are taking certain medications, including over-the-counter cold medicines and antacids. Other causes of constipation include not eating enough fiber, starting toilet training too soon, milk allergy, and diseases like diabetes or cystic fibrosis. Children may hold their bowel movements because they fear the process or worry that it will hurt. This can lead to a bowel impaction, which is an obstructed colon that requires medical intervention.