Symptom 6. Fever: An Obscure Sign of Ulcerative Colitis
Fever is an often overlooked symptom of ulcerative colitis, but it can provide valuable clues to the presence of the condition. While not everyone with UC experiences fever, it is a common occurrence during disease flare-ups. Fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). When individuals with UC experience an increase in inflammation and disease activity, their body’s natural response may include an elevation in body temperature.
The fever associated with ulcerative colitis can be low-grade or high-grade, depending on the severity of inflammation. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general malaise. The exact cause of fever in UC is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of the body’s immune response to the inflammation in the colon.
During a UC flare-up, the body releases inflammatory substances that can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. This disruption in the body’s temperature regulation can lead to an elevated temperature. It is important to note that fever in ulcerative colitis is typically not prolonged and tends to subside as the flare-up is brought under control.
Fever can be a significant concern in individuals with UC, as it may indicate a more severe flare-up or the presence of complications such as infection or abscess formation. (6)
