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What are the Causes of Stomach Ache and Fever?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are many things that may cause stomach ache and fever, but among the most common are food poisoning and the stomach flu. A person may also deal with these symptoms when he has a more serious condition, such as appendicitis or pancreatitis. These conditions cause abdominal pain, but patients often refer to it as stomach pain. Some people may even develop pain and fever when they have pneumonia or influenza.

When a person has a stomach ache and fever, one of the most likely causes of his symptoms is a stomach flu. Despite the misleading name, this condition is not related to influenza, but is caused by a virus that leads to such symptoms as pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately, a person with this condition typically recovers after a short period of time, but complications such as dehydration may occur. It is important to note, however, that some cases of stomach flu are not accompanied by fever.

Food poisoning can cause a stomach ache and fever.
Food poisoning can cause a stomach ache and fever.

Sometimes, the cause of stomach pain and fever is food poisoning. This occurs when a person consumes food or drink contaminated with something harmful. For example, a person may develop problems after consuming food that has been contaminated by bacteria or drinking water that contains parasites. An individual may also be sickened by food contaminated with viruses or toxic agents, such as wild mushrooms. Whether or not food poisoning causes a fever usually depends on its causes.

A stomach flu is the most common reason for stomach ache and fever.
A stomach flu is the most common reason for stomach ache and fever.

In some cases, conditions that cause these symptoms indicate that a person needs immediate medical attention. For example, someone may develop these symptoms when he has appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix. Pancreatitis, which occurs when a person’s pancreas is inflamed or infected, can also be the cause. Both of these conditions cause abdominal pain that patients sometimes refer to as stomach pain and can develop with or without fever. A patient will typically need emergency medical attention for either condition.

Interestingly, there are also some upper-respiratory conditions that cause a fever and stomach ache. A person may have these symptoms when he or she has influenza or even pneumonia.

A diagram of the stomach and duodenum.
A diagram of the stomach and duodenum.

For symptoms that last a short time or are accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, a person can usually stay at home and treat them by resting, drinking plenty of water, and possibly taking a fever reducer. If the pain becomes progressively worse, is to one side of the abdomen, is accompanied by bloody vomiting or diarrhea, or lasts for an extended period of time, individuals should seek medical attention. Those who have a very high fever or one that does not respond to over-the-counter fever medicine should also see a healthcare professional.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

DylanB

Gallbladder inflammation can cause severe upper abdominal pain and a fever. My friend had gallstones, and he developed both symptoms.

The pain was so intense that he had someone drive him to the hospital. The doctor did an ultrasound and found the stones, and he recommended removing the gallbladder, since most people who start having attacks have more in the future.

giddion

@orangey03 – I know what you mean. I had a high fever and a stomach ache when I had rotavirus as a kid, and it was the sickest I have ever been.

I started vomiting and just couldn't seem to stop. Every half hour or so, I would vomit again.

To make matters worse, I also had severe diarrhea! So, I had to sit on the toilet and puke into a bowl.

My parents were worried I would become dehydrated at the rate I was losing fluids, so they took me to the hospital. I had to get an IV and stay in there for a week! Also, I couldn't have visitors, because it was extremely contagious.

orangey03

I had fever and a stomach ache when I had the stomach flu in high school. It was awful! I would have rather had the kind of flu where you cough and have a sore throat.

healthy4life

I had lower abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting when I had a kidney infection. It had started out with the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but I ignored them and hoped they would go away.

Any time that you ignore an infection like this, it can get worse. Mine traveled to my kidneys, and I became very ill.

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    • Food poisoning can cause a stomach ache and fever.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Food poisoning can cause a stomach ache and fever.
    • A stomach flu is the most common reason for stomach ache and fever.
      By: PictureP.
      A stomach flu is the most common reason for stomach ache and fever.
    • A diagram of the stomach and duodenum.
      By: Balint Radu
      A diagram of the stomach and duodenum.
    • Drinking water that contains parasites can cause stomach ache and fever.
      By: goodluz
      Drinking water that contains parasites can cause stomach ache and fever.
    • Eating mushrooms that contain toxins can cause stomach ache and fever.
      By: Jag_cz
      Eating mushrooms that contain toxins can cause stomach ache and fever.
    • Fever and stomach pain may be indicative of an upper respiratory illness.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Fever and stomach pain may be indicative of an upper respiratory illness.
    • Influenza vaccines are ineffective when it comes to preventing a stomach flu.
      By: emde71
      Influenza vaccines are ineffective when it comes to preventing a stomach flu.
    • A person with appendicitis will often suffer from a stomach ache and fever.
      By: joshya
      A person with appendicitis will often suffer from a stomach ache and fever.
    • Influenza may cause a fever and stomach ache.
      By: michaeljung
      Influenza may cause a fever and stomach ache.