Chills

About the Symptom

Shivering or chills is when the body's muscles tense and relax repeatedly to warm up. This can be caused by low temperatures, infections, or fever.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Gross hematuria
• Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
• Edema
• Peripheral cyanosis
• Repeated fever above 38 ℃

Possible Causes

Generally, Chills can be related to:

• Shuddering Attacks

• Influenza (Flu)

  An infection caused by the influenza virus, typically affecting the respiratory tract (nose, windpipe, lungs).

• Hypothyroidism

  A disorder where thyroid hormone levels in the body are abnormally low. These hormones are necessary for growth, development, and metabolism. Some symptoms include unintended weight gain, constipation, changes in menstrual cycles, dry skin, brittle nails, depression and memory issues. It can be caused by an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto's) or from prior thyroid surgery and sometimes medications.

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Chills may be related to these serious diseases:

• Peritonitis

  Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, a thin layer lining the inside of the abdomen and surrounding abdominal organs. It is a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt medical attention and can be caused by bacterial infections, liver disease, or a rupture in the gastrointestinal tract, among other things.

• Malaria
• Meningitis
• Scrub Typhus
• Acute Prostatitis
• Sepsis
• Encephalitis / Encephalopathy

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are you experiencing chills or feeling cold?
• When did you first start experiencing chills or feeling cold?
• Regarding your chills or feeling cold, which of the following best describes it?
• How are your chills or feeling cold now?

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