Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn or a sour taste. A fever indicates an elevated body temperature, typically above 100.4°F (38°C), often signaling the body’s response to infection or inflammation. While distinct, these two health issues can sometimes occur together, leading to questions about their connection.
Understanding Acid Reflux and Fever
Typical acid reflux, or its more chronic form, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a localized digestive issue. It primarily involves the irritation of the esophagus by stomach contents. This condition does not directly trigger a systemic response, such as a fever, within the body. Fever is a broader physiological sign, often indicating the immune system is actively fighting an infection or inflammation that affects the entire body.
Therefore, standard acid reflux symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation do not directly cause an elevated body temperature. If a fever is present alongside acid reflux symptoms, it is highly likely that the fever stems from an unrelated infection or another condition. For instance, a common cold or the flu can cause fever, and these might coincidentally occur when a person is also experiencing reflux.
Complications That Can Cause Fever
While acid reflux itself does not cause fever, severe or chronic reflux can lead to complications that result in an elevated body temperature. These situations involve reflux causing an infection or injury that triggers a systemic inflammatory response. The fever in these cases is a symptom of the complication, not the reflux directly.
Aspiration Pneumonia
One such complication is aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection resulting from inhaling stomach contents or mouth material into the lungs. Severe acid reflux can increase this risk, as stomach acid and food particles can be drawn into the airways. Symptoms commonly include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Infectious Esophagitis
Another scenario where fever might appear is with severe infectious esophagitis. While typical inflammation of the esophagus due to reflux usually does not cause fever, severe cases complicated by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can. These infections are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include pain or difficulty swallowing, chills, or fever.
Esophageal Perforation
Esophageal perforation, a rare but serious complication, involves a tear or hole in the esophageal wall. This can allow saliva, liquids, and food to leak into the chest cavity, leading to severe infection. This life-threatening condition can result in a high fever, chills, and severe chest pain. It can occur due to prolonged or forceful vomiting, which can be associated with severe reflux.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If a fever accompanies acid reflux symptoms, it is important to recognize when medical attention is necessary. A high or persistent fever, especially above 100.4°F (38°C), warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional, particularly if it does not resolve or worsens.
Other concerning symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical consultation:
Difficulty or pain when swallowing, which can signal damage or narrowing of the esophagus.
Unexplained weight loss.
Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools, suggesting gastrointestinal bleeding.
Severe chest pain, particularly if it radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. These symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention, as they can also mimic a heart attack.
A persistent cough or shortness of breath alongside reflux symptoms, which can be a sign of complications affecting the respiratory system.