Causes of Fever With Lower Abdominal Pain

Fevers are usually early indicators of infection. When accompanied by lower abdominal pain, a fever may indicate something as simple as a stomach flu. However, it could be an internal problem that needs medical care. Duration and location of the pain are both factors to consider.

Illnesses

• Appendicitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, stomach obstruction and kidney problems all cause lower abdominal pain. Fever occurs at some point with each condition. Other symptoms unique to each of these illnesses may be present.

Other serious conditions

• If left untreated, illnesses that affect the organs such as the appendix or kidneys can permanently damage the organs and may lead to death. Diverticulitis and stomach obstructions can lead to serious internal infections.

Food poisining and parasites

• Food poisoning and many internal parasites will cause lower abdominal pain with fever. Most incidences of food poisoning will clear up within a few days, but intestinal parasites such as cysticercosis, taeniasis, trichinosis and cyclosporiasis often require medical treatment.

Considerations for women

• Women with lower abdominal pain and fever may have a pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening.

Warnings

• If abdominal pain is severe, sudden or prolonged, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. This is particularly important when a fever is present as it may indicate a dangerous underlying condition.