Sometimes we suddenly feel very cold, don't we? Our body starts shivering to the point where our teeth start chattering. Some people call this 'chills'. But this is not only due to fever, it can be caused by many other reasons. So today, let's talk about this cold shivering, or the medical term for this condition called 'Chills'.
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What exactly is "Chills"?
Simply put, this is your body's attempt to maintain its core temperature. When you get the 'chills', these things can happen:
- Tremor: A feeling of continuous shaking.
- Teeth grinding: It feels like your jaw is grinding, and sometimes your teeth are grinding together.
- Hives: Small blisters that appear on the skin.
These things happen involuntarily. When the muscles in the body contract and relax rapidly, that is, when we shiver, the body produces heat. Sometimes we shiver in this way when we are exposed to a cold environment. Also, this can be an important signal that your body is fighting some kind of disease, infection, or other health problem.
What are the main causes of coldness?
You feel cold and shiver when your body's core temperature drops. The average healthy body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit). However, this can vary slightly from person to person.
Imagine you have gone to a very cold place. Then your body temperature can drop dangerously low. We call this (Hypothermia). Also, this can happen due to various medical conditions.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Infections | This is the most common cause. In bacterial infections (e.g. pneumonia , urinary tract infections (UTIs) ) and viral infections (e.g. influenza), the body shivers with fever as it fights the illness. |
| Diabetes | When a person with diabetes has very low blood sugar levels ( hypoglycemia) , they may experience tremors. |
| Cancers | This condition can occur as a symptom of some types of cancer, such as leukemia . |
| Psychological reasons | You may also feel like you are shaking during panic attacks or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . |
| Other reasons | It can also be caused by things like drug withdrawal, a hangover after drinking too much alcohol, and night sweats during menopause. |
Does this kind of tremor occur after surgery?
Yes, it is very common. When you regain consciousness after a surgery under general anesthesia, you may shiver even though you may not feel cold, because your body temperature has dropped slightly. Also, imagine that you are walking on the road and suddenly a car comes close to you and you are saved. At that time, you may shiver with the shock you feel. This is because the body suddenly produces more adrenaline.
What can we do to prevent this situation?
To prevent shivering caused by cold weather, dress warmly for the cold weather. By wearing layers of clothing, you can easily adjust your clothing to the temperature of the environment. This is because if you sweat and let that sweat dry on your body, your body temperature can drop too low.
You can also protect yourself from conditions that can cause colds. Avoid using drugs and alcohol. If you have a condition like diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions to control your blood sugar levels.
Shivering is usually a sign that the body is fighting an illness or controlling its temperature. However, if it is accompanied by other serious symptoms, don't ignore it.
What should you do when you feel cold and shivering?
This is treated according to the cause.
- If it's because of the cold: Wear warm clothes, go to a warm place. Drinking a hot drink like tea or coffee can also increase your body's internal temperature.
- If it is due to an illness: This symptom will go away on its own once the illness is treated. For example:
- Taking antibiotics prescribed by a doctor for bacterial infections.
- Taking antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor for viral infections.
- You can use medications like Paracetamol to relieve the body's cold and fever that come with conditions like fever. However, before using any medication, especially for a young child, you should definitely ask your doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any of the symptoms below along with chills and shivering, seek medical advice immediately.
| Risk symptom | Cases requiring special attention |
|---|---|
| High or low body temperature | If an adult or child over 3 years old has a fever of more than 40°C (104°F) or less than 35°C (95°F). If a child between 3 months and 3 years old has a fever of more than 39°C (102.2°F). If a baby under 3 months old has a fever of more than 38°C (100.4°F). |
| Chest pain | Chest pain or tightness that occurs for no reason. |
| Difficulty breathing | Symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. |
| Severe stomach pain | Unbearable stomach pain. |
| Extreme fatigue | If you feel too tired to do anything. |
If you have any of these symptoms, do not stay at home and see a doctor immediately. If necessary, do not delay going to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Shivering is your body's response to cold or some illness.
- Although fever is the most common cause, it can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as infections and diabetes.
- If you feel cold, warm yourself by wearing warm clothes, wrapping yourself up, and drinking something hot.
- If you have serious symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing along with shaking, see a doctor immediately.
- Do not give any medication, especially to children, without medical advice.
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