A slight deviation from the norm in the case of body temperature is not considered any anomaly and is quite common. Moreover, this value is not constant and can vary throughout the day. The temperature in the range from 35.5 to 37.5 degrees is generally considered the norm. And contrary to a strong opinion, most often people have a temperature of 37 degrees, not 36.6.
In the morning, the temperature is usually lower, and in a dream it can drop up to 36 degrees. Throughout the day, it constantly fluctuates within 0.5 or more degrees. Why does a fever rise after a meal, and is it worth worrying?
Common causes
Hyperthermia in itself is harmless, even if it occurs after a meal, as it can only be a normal physiological process. When there is a process of digestion of food, a certain amount of thermal energy is produced in the body. Most of the energy is generated when meat enters the digestive tract, somewhat less when digesting fats. But it is considered normal if after eating the temperature rises to 37.2-37.3 degrees.
Other reasons:
- In a healthy person, hyperemia is observed at lunchtime and in the evening, and this is not considered a deviation, and it is at this time of day that a meal is necessary. In light of this, it seems to many people that an increase in body temperature is associated with food intake.
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause and before the menstrual cycle also cause hyperemia.
- Physical activity, against the background of hard work and sports, and then eating, also leads to fever.
- In childhood, if the child was actively playing or crying a lot, and then began to eat, hyperemia can also occur.
The reason that the temperature rises after eating may be some foods, in particular:
- marinades;
- spicy seasonings;
- chilli.
When should I sound the alarm?
In some cases, when in addition to hyperemia there are some symptoms, it is better not to hide from the problem and consult a doctor, namely:
- a rash appears on the mucous membranes and skin;
- discomfort in the larynx;
- stuffy nose or even a runny nose;
- pain in the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- trouble breathing
- vomiting or nausea;
- general deterioration;
- bitterness in the mouth.
These symptoms can only speak of light food poisoning, and can be an alarming bell that the development of a disease has begun in the body.
Food poisoning is associated with intoxication of the body with pathogenic microbes. In this condition, the body begins to fight with germs and the body temperature automatically rises. Usually, poisoning is also accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and severe sweating.
Allergic reactions
In people who are allergic to any foods, after eating, the temperature rises indeed. But in addition to hyperemia, other symptoms should be present that confirm the allergic nature of the origin:
- rashes on the skin with or without itching;
- runny nose or sneezing due to the penetration of an allergen into the body;
- discomfort in the throat;
- cough;
- copious discharge of tears.
If there is too much allergen in the body, then it can cause choking.
In such cases, a person needs to see a doctor. The doctor will prescribe antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms and adjust nutrition. If it is not known exactly which product caused the increase in body temperature and an allergic reaction, then you will have to undergo a full examination to identify the product that causes problems in the body.
If a person knows exactly what food causes an allergy and he ate it all the same, then antihistamines should be taken at the dose prescribed by the doctor. After the medicine works, the body temperature also drops.
Pathology of the digestive system
If your body temperature rises after eating, it is possible that there are problems with the digestive tract.
Hyperemia can be a symptom of exacerbation of cholecystitis or a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer. This condition is possible if there is a history of enterocolitis, chronic cholecystitis, or in the presence of cancer. With such pathologies, usually the body temperature is kept at 37.3 degrees.
Gastritis
If the history of a chronic form of gastritis is present, then a person is doomed to follow a diet. If it is violated, then, most likely, a temperature increase after eating is provided. Food that does not fit a sick stomach immediately causes inflammation, which becomes the cause of hyperemia.
The whole problem lies in the fact that the production of juice occurs in a minimal amount, and, as a result, most of the food remains in the stomach, which leads to the development of microorganisms that gradually penetrate into the duodenum. As a result, inflammation and a rise in body temperature appear. This condition also requires medical attention.
Hepatitis
Can hepatitis rise after eating? Maybe, especially at the initial stage of the development of the disease. However, to suggest such a diagnosis, other symptoms must be present:
- nausea and vomiting;
- loose stools;
- pain in the right hypochondrium.
In addition, the patient may complain of general weakness and loss of appetite. The yellowing of proteins and skin begins. It is clear that such symptoms should be the reason for an urgent visit to a doctor. Untreated hepatitis leads to irreversible processes in the body.
Pancreatitis
Another disease that can cause the body temperature to rise after eating. If the pathology is chronic, then the thermometer rises slightly. And the temperature may rise due to the fact that a person has consumed the "wrong" food. We are talking about smoked meats, fried or fatty foods, that is, those products that provoke an exacerbation. It is the inflammatory process in the pancreas that causes the increase in body temperature. In such cases, you can not do without medical assistance.
Cholelithiasis
Does body temperature rise after eating? There may be problems with the gallbladder. If this is true, then after eating foods that have a choleretic effect, body temperature can actually increase.
These foods include:
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- olive, corn and sunflower oils;
- whole grain cereals;
- juices (grape and beetroot);
- lingonberry.
Nobody denies the benefits of these products, but if there really is gallstone disease, then these products stimulate the outflow of bile, and the movement of stones begins, which, as a rule, remains in the ducts and causes hyperemia.
Even if the stone or sand is not stuck in the bile duct, then in the process of excretion from the body, they damage the mucous membrane, which also gives an impetus to increase body temperature, since the inflammatory process begins in the body.
To relieve hyperemia, the inflammatory process should first be eliminated, then the body temperature will normalize.
What to do?
If the temperature rises after eating on a regular basis and is accompanied by additional symptoms, then it is better to consult a doctor. Most often, the cause of this condition is digestive diseases. Therefore, it is very important to get examined in time and find out the reason.
The doctor, in addition to a visual examination and medical history, will prescribe a series of studies that will help confirm or refute the diagnosis. In particular, it can be an ultrasound of the internal organs, gastroendoscopy, blood, feces and urine tests.
It should also be remembered that stress and constant nervous strain is not the best condition for the body. In confirmation of this, you can remember yourself when, before an important event, body temperature and sweating increase. That is, you should not take all the troubles and important events to heart. Health is first and foremost, and work and domestic problems should be in the background.