I have a theory/question.

Published

And no I am not asking for medical advice.

So I've been sick for the past week, some respiratory viral illness, that also came with a temperature. My temp peaked at 101 on Wednesday (and Monday), but on Tuesday, and Thursday it would only be around 98.8-99.6 (my normal temp is around 97.4 with the thermometer I have at home). Today the respiratory symptoms subsided but I now have diarrhea- just the loose, frequent, urgent stools, no temp, no abd pain...

So my theory/question is, can a person's low grade temperature, lead to overgrowth of their own GI flora that can manifest in diarrhea?

I've trying to find some information in regards to body temperature and growth of or killing of natural flora, but I can't find anything.

What do you think, or can you point me in some direction?

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

I don't know about increased temp, but increased resp secretions can cause diarrhea...........it has been a long time since micro but isn't a fever one of the bodies ways of fighting bacteria growth?

Sorry, more ??? than answers!

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I don't know about increased temp, but increased resp secretions can cause diarrhea...........it has been a long time since micro but isn't a fever one of the bodies ways of fighting bacteria growth?

Sorry, more ??? than answers!

Raising a body's temp is a way to kill off bacteria. I just don't know where that fine balance is where bacteria will foster or die.

I haven't heard of resp secretions causing diarrhea, what is this about?

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

Well, when you have a resp illness you are coughing up junk and nasal secrections are draining and you are swallowing all that junk. My kids almost always get upset tummies with colds.

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Specializes in ER.

Also some viruses can cause both resp and GI symptoms. Many pediatric illnesses have a URTI within a week as a factor to consider when making a diagnosis.

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Specializes in ICU of all kinds, CVICU, Cath Lab, ER..

Just curious - have you been drinking orange juice or similiar liquids? That will give you diarrhea big time!

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Specializes in Geriatric/LTC, Rehab, Home Hhealth.

diarrhea is associated with strep throat, no?

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I think you should be looking at the pathophysiology of diarrhea. Here's an older thread on it:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/gastrointestinal-system-194485.html

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

Are you taking antibiotics?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

some mayo clinic advice: fever

plese see/ask your primary care provider for further personal information and treatment.

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