Introduction
Chills are the most common physiological responses that alert the body about a probability of an infection by a virus. The majority of the global population has experienced chills at some point in their lifetime. While chills may lead to malaise, they are a significant part of the protective mechanism incorporated by our bodies. However, people do not understand the underlying causes of chills and their correlation with physiology. The article will help people understand what chills are and how to go about their treatment.
Symptoms of chills
Chills are a natural mechanism of our body to regulate the core body temperature. They can cause shivering, an involuntary response, by which the movements tend to warm the body by contracting and relaxing skeletal muscles. Chills can be a sign of infections or cold temperatures. Generally, chills cascade into a fever, and some of the common symptoms of chills may include the following:
- Shaking
- Tremble or shiver
- Goosebumps, also known as gooseflesh or goose pimples
- Chattering teeth.
Causes of chills
Exposure to cold temperatures can cause chills. They can also be a response to a viral or bacterial infection. Some of the common conditions that are associated with chills are as follows:
- Flu
- Sinusitis
- Strep throat
- Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis
- Low blood sugar
- Pneumonia
- Hangover
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Malaria
Chills: When to see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if the chills or fever do not subside post 48 hours of home care. If you have other symptoms like cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or any discomfort along with chills and fever, please do not hesitate to seek professional medical advice. To book an appointment with the experts, contact Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, India.
Prevention of chills
You can prevent chills by wearing warm clothes in a cold setting or weather. Take necessary steps to safeguard your health against medical conditions that cause chills. If you have conditions like diabetes, ensure to control your blood sugar levels. Also, avoid misusing alcohol and drugs.
Remedies/Treatment for chills
Chills are not that serious. However, If your chills and fever remain persistent after two days, consult a doctor and check for any underlying cause. Also, if the body temperature goes above 104৹F (40৹C) or below 95 F (35৹C) in an adult or a child older than three years of age, you should consider visiting a physician.
The physician may ask you questions, including the highest temperature accompanied by chills, number of episodes, the onset and other symptoms. Post the questionnaire, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and may run diagnostic tests to rule out any viral or bacterial infection.
Some of the common treatment options for chills include the following:
- For chills caused by cold temperatures, home care like wearing warm clothes or sipping warm liquids, such as hot coffee or tea, is ideally recommended.Â
- Diagnosis may reveal an illness or disorder for which your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral medications or over-the-counter medicines.
If your treatment options do not give relief, consult a physician as soon as possible. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, India.
Conclusion
If you have been experiencing chills, you’re not alone! They’re often a sign that your body is fighting off an illness or feels too cold. If you feel that there is some underlying sickness that is causing chills, you shouldn’t delay and visit your physician. They will examine you and decide on the best treatment for you.
