What Causes Cold Chills Without Fever?
October 3, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Experiencing cold chills without a fever can be caused by a variety of factors, and it may not necessarily indicate an underlying medical condition. Cold chills, also known as “the chills” or “shivering,” occur when your body tries to generate heat to maintain its core temperature. Here are some common reasons for cold chills without fever:
- Temperature Changes: Sudden exposure to cold temperatures, such as stepping out into a chilly environment or immersing yourself in cold water, can cause your body to shiver and generate heat to maintain its temperature.
- Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can trigger a “fight or flight” response in the body, leading to physiological changes, including shivering and chills. This response is part of the body’s way of preparing to respond to a perceived threat.
- Excessive Sweating: If you have recently sweated excessively due to physical activity or being in a hot environment and then experience a sudden drop in temperature or enter an air-conditioned space, you may feel cold chills as your body adjusts to the change.
- Infections: While cold chills without a fever are less common, some infections can initially cause chills and then progress to fever. In these cases, the fever may develop later.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as opioids or antipsychotic drugs, can affect the body’s temperature regulation and lead to chills as a side effect.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake or excessive loss of fluids through sweating or diarrhea can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation and lead to chills.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menopause or as a side effect of some medications, can affect the body’s temperature control mechanisms and lead to chills.
- Thyroid Disorders: Disorders of the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, potentially leading to cold chills.
- Neurological Conditions: Some neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature and lead to chills.
- Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes, can lead to sensations of coldness and shivering.
If you experience persistent or severe cold chills without an obvious cause, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. While chills without fever are often harmless and related to external factors, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention and treatment. Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate interventions if necessary.