2. Fever and Chills: The Heat Wave Indicator of Infection
The onset of fever and chills in conjunction with abdominal discomfort can be a clear signal that the body is fighting an infection such as SBP. Fever, the body’s thermostat running high, is not merely a symptom but a natural defense mechanism, an attempt to create an environment less hospitable to the bacteria wreaking havoc in the peritoneal cavity.
Chills often accompany fever as the body’s temperature begins to climb. They are the shakes and shivers, the body’s way of generating heat through muscle contractions. This involuntary response can feel like an internal battle, with the body’s temperature regulation system thrown into disarray.
These symptoms are far from random; they indicate the immune system’s active engagement in combating the infection. The body’s pyrogens, substances that induce fever, are released as part of the immune response to the bacterial invasion in the peritoneal fluid. They signal the hypothalamus – the body’s thermostat – to increase the set point of body temperature, leading to fever.
The occurrence of fever can be erratic in the case of SBP. It may present as a low-grade fever that lingers or as sudden spikes that ebb into a sense of cold. These spikes can create a seesaw effect, with the individual bundling up one moment and seeking coolness the next.
Moreover, fever and chills, though common, are more than just uncomfortable. They act as a barometer of the body’s internal struggle and can serve as a measure of the infection’s progression or response to treatment. As the battle against SBP continues, monitoring changes in body temperature and the presence of chills can provide valuable insights into the body’s state of siege. (2)
