Chills describe a sensation of coldness, often accompanied by shivering, even in a warm environment. A fever refers to an elevated body temperature, typically 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when measured orally. While chills frequently occur alongside a fever, it is possible to experience them without an elevated body temperature.
Everyday Causes of Chills
Exposure to cold temperatures is a common reason for chills without a fever. The body reacts to cold by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin and helps conserve core body heat. Shivering then ensues as muscles rapidly contract and relax to produce additional heat.
Emotional states such as anxiety, stress, or fear can also induce chills. These emotions activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. Adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict, altering blood flow and creating a sudden sensation of coldness or goosebumps.
Dehydration, resulting from insufficient fluid intake, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. When the body lacks adequate fluids, its normal functions, including thermoregulation, can be compromised, potentially leading to feelings of coldness and chills.
Low blood sugar can trigger symptoms including chills, sweating, and shakiness. The body reacts to a drop in glucose by releasing hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline), causing these physical sensations. This warns that blood glucose levels are too low to fuel the brain and other organs.
General fatigue and exhaustion can heighten the body’s sensitivity to temperature changes, making individuals more prone to chills. Intense physical activity might also lead to chills after exertion as the body cools down.
Medical Conditions and Chills
Anemia, a lack of healthy red blood cells, can cause individuals to feel cold and experience chills. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and reduced oxygen delivery can impact temperature sensation. This decreased oxygen supply can make the body feel colder even in a comfortable environment.
Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, slows down the body’s metabolism, which can lead to cold intolerance and chills. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s internal thermostat, and insufficient hormones can disrupt this balance. Individuals with hypothyroidism may feel consistently cold, even in warm surroundings.
Certain infections can cause chills even before a fever develops or in cases of localized infections that do not result in a systemic fever. The immune system’s initial response to pathogens can trigger chills. Examples include some viral infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or malaria, where chills can precede the hot stage.
Medication side effects can manifest as chills without a fever. Some drugs, such as certain chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, or some medications for diabetes, can interfere with the body’s thermoregulation or directly cause chills as an adverse reaction. It is important to review medication information for potential side effects if unexplained chills occur.
Neurological conditions can sometimes disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate temperature or perceive cold sensations accurately. This disruption can lead to unexplained chills or an altered response to environmental temperatures. Additionally, specific nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of Vitamin B12, can impact nerve function and overall temperature sensitivity, contributing to feelings of coldness.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While chills without a fever can often be attributed to minor causes, certain circumstances warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional. If chills persist for an extended period or worsen without an identifiable cause, medical consultation is advisable. This persistence could signal an underlying issue that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Chills accompanied by other concerning symptoms should prompt medical attention. These include unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, skin changes, new or intensifying pain, or alterations in bowel or bladder habits. Such combinations of symptoms may indicate a more serious medical condition requiring investigation.
Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, should consult their doctor if they experience new or unusual chills. Their underlying health conditions might influence their body’s temperature regulation or immune response, making new symptoms noteworthy. Recent travel, especially to areas with prevalent infectious diseases, along with chills, should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to potential exposures.
If chills begin to significantly interfere with daily activities, cause distress, or impact overall well-being, seeking medical advice is a prudent step. A healthcare professional can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate management or treatment.
Caring for Chills at Home
For chills not associated with a serious underlying condition, several home care measures can provide comfort. Dressing in warm layers, using blankets, and adjusting the room temperature can help the body regain warmth. Ensuring clothing is dry is also important, as wet clothes can accelerate heat loss.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking warm fluids, such as herbal tea or broth, can also help. Warm beverages contribute to raising internal body temperature and supporting overall bodily functions. Adequate rest allows the body to conserve energy and recover, which can be beneficial when experiencing chills.
Maintaining regular, balanced meals helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can prevent chills caused by hypoglycemia. For those experiencing anxiety-induced chills, practicing stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation may help calm the nervous system. These practices can mitigate the physiological responses associated with stress that contribute to feelings of coldness.