Chills can be unsettling, and individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) often wonder if there’s a connection. GERD is a common digestive condition. Understanding its symptoms and the general causes of chills can clarify this query.
Understanding Chills and GERD
Chills are a sensation of feeling cold, often accompanied by shivering. This involuntary muscle contraction generates heat, typically in response to a drop in core body temperature or an immune response to infection. Chills can occur with or without a fever.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid or other contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus. This backwash irritates the esophageal lining, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, where food or sour liquid comes back into the throat.
Exploring the Link Between GERD and Chills
GERD does not directly cause chills. Chills are typically a sign of the body’s thermoregulation system responding to cold or an underlying illness, often an infection. While a direct link is not typical, certain indirect scenarios or co-occurring factors might lead a person with GERD to experience chills.
Severe or untreated GERD can lead to complications that might indirectly cause chills. For example, if stomach contents are repeatedly aspirated into the lungs, it can result in aspiration pneumonia. This lung infection can cause fever and chills, along with coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Stress and anxiety, which can worsen GERD symptoms, might also contribute to sensations perceived as chills. The body’s “fight or flight” response, triggered by stress, releases adrenaline, potentially causing shivering or a feeling of coldness. Stress can also affect temperature regulation.
Some medications for GERD, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, have various side effects. While chills are not a common side effect, some individuals might experience fever or chills as a rare adverse reaction. PPIs have also been linked to an increased risk of infections like pneumonia or Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which can cause fever and chills. However, GERD or its medications do not typically cause fever and chills.
Other Reasons for Chills
Other common reasons for chills include infections, as the body’s immune system raises its temperature to fight off pathogens. These can include viral infections like the cold, flu, or COVID-19, and bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia. Chills often precede a fever.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, can directly trigger chills as the body attempts to warm itself. Other conditions unrelated to GERD can also cause chills, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), anemia, or thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, which can increase cold sensitivity. Dehydration and intense physical activity can also affect temperature regulation, potentially leading to chills.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you experience persistent, severe, or unexplained chills, consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if chills are accompanied by:
A high fever
Difficulty breathing
Severe chest or abdominal pain
Confusion
Persistent vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Also seek medical advice if chills significantly impact your daily life or if you have any new or worsening symptoms. For infants and young children, specific temperature thresholds and accompanying symptoms indicate when to seek prompt medical evaluation.