4. Fever and General Malaise: Indicators of a Deep-Seated Problem
While fever and a feeling of general unwellness aren’t exclusive to BBS, their occurrence in someone with a PEG tube should be considered with heightened attention. A fever indicates the body’s immune response has been activated, often hinting at an infection or inflammation.
BBS, through various mechanisms, can trigger inflammation at the tube site or even deeper within the stomach. The buried bumper, embedding itself, can lead to tissue damage, which in turn might instigate a localized infection.
It’s a testimony to the body’s defense mechanisms, how it can identify and respond to even subtle threats. While a mild fever might be brushed off as a result of fatigue or a minor bug, in the context of a PEG tube, it might be signaling something much more concerning.
General malaise accompanying the fever only reinforces this signal. It’s the body’s way of asking for a slowdown, to deal with the underlying issue. Recognizing these signs in the context of BBS is crucial. (4)
