Do you sometimes feel like you're just cold, your teeth are chattering, and your body is shaking? We call this "chilling" or "getting the chills." While this is normal at times, it can also be a sign of something going on inside your body. So today, let's talk about this feeling of cold and shivering, or chills.
What exactly is this feeling of cold and shivering (Chills)?
Simply put, this is a natural process that tries to bring our body temperature back to normal when it drops. When our body temperature drops, the brain sends a signal to warm up. Our muscles then start contracting and relaxing very rapidly. This rapid process is what generates heat. We cannot control this, it is something that happens automatically.
You may also experience symptoms like these at this time.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Shivering | Uncontrollable body shaking. |
| Chattering teeth | Teeth grinding due to rapid jaw muscle activity in the cold. |
| Goosebumps | The small hairs on the skin stand upright. |
| Other features | Fever, body aches, fatigue, headaches, and nausea may also occur. |
Causes of shivering with fever
Often, we experience chills and shivers along with a fever. This means that our immune system is fighting off some kind of infection.
1. Viral infections such as influenza (Flu)
Imagine you have a cold or flu. Even though you feel very cold, your body temperature may actually be as high as 104°F (40°C). This is your body's way of fighting off the virus by raising your temperature. During this time, you may experience chills and other symptoms, including:
- Sore throat and cough
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Body pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting and diarrhea
In most cases, this condition will resolve within two weeks with plenty of rest and fluids. However, it is essential to see a doctor immediately if symptoms develop in children under 5 years of age, people over 65 years of age, and people with other chronic illnesses.
2. Other bacterial or viral infections
During various infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and malaria, the body raises its temperature to activate the immune system. Shivering can also occur at those times.
This shaking is a good sign that your body's defense system is starting to work.
3. Kidney stone infection
Sometimes minerals build up inside our kidneys and form small stones. We call these kidney stones. If these block or injure the urinary tract, an infection can develop, causing fever and chills. Along with that,
- Back, neck, or stomach pain
- Burning when urinating
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Frequent need to urinate
- Dark-colored, foul-smelling urine
Symptoms such as :
Situations where you can feel cold without having a fever
Sometimes you can feel cold and shivery even without a fever. Here are some things that can cause it.
1. Extreme cold and hypothermia
When we are in a very cold place, the rate at which our body loses heat exceeds the rate at which it produces heat. Then the body starts shivering in an attempt to warm itself.
But if this condition is not controlled, the body temperature can drop below 95°F (35°C). This is called hypothermia.
This is a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment. If you think you or someone else has these symptoms, take them to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Warning signs of hypothermia | |
|---|---|
| Tremor (at first) | Slurred speech |
| Slowed breathing | Excessive sleepiness and lack of energy |
| Confusion | Weak pulse |
2. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ in our neck. It produces hormones that control body temperature and help organs function. When these hormones are underproduced, we call that condition ``Hypothyroidism''. This can also cause the body to feel cold without a fever. Along with this, symptoms such as excessive fatigue, dry skin, and constipation can also occur.
3. Low blood sugar levels (Hypoglycemia)
This condition occurs when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. This can happen especially if someone with diabetes is not following a balanced diet and medication. At this time, you may also experience symptoms such as shivering, sweating, excessive hunger, and anxiety without a fever.
4. Anemia
Simply put, a lack of blood in the body, especially anemia caused by iron deficiency, can also make the body cold. Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells. When you are low in iron, you may experience decreased energy, fatigue, dizziness, and may even feel colder than others.
5. Some medications
Tremors can occur as a side effect when starting, increasing the dose, or suddenly stopping certain medications (especially some medications for mental illness and migraines).
What should I do about this tremor? And when should I see a doctor?
If your shivering is caused by cold, you may find relief by going to a warm place, wearing warm clothes, or drinking a warm drink.
But remember, if the cause of this tremor is an illness, it should only be treated under the advice of a doctor. Depending on the cause, the doctor will prescribe things like antibiotics, fever reducers, and iron tablets.
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms along with tremors: | |
| Extreme fatigue | Chest pain |
| Severe stomach pain | Difficulty breathing |
| By body temperature: | |
| If a baby under 3 months old has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) . | If a child between 3 months and 3 years old has a fever higher than 102.2°F (39°C) . |
| If a person over 3 years old has a fever of over 104°F (40°C) . | Hypothermia is a condition in which a person of any age has a body temperature below 95°F (35°C) . |
Take-Home Message
- Shivering (chills) is a natural way the body uses to warm itself up.
- This can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, from the common cold to fever, infections, thyroid, diabetes, and anemia.
- If a fever is accompanied by chills, it is often a sign of an infection.
- If you continue to feel chills without a fever, talk to your doctor about other possible medical conditions.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain along with shivering, difficulty breathing, or a very high/low body temperature.
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