Chills

Chills, particularly internal ones, can result from various etiologic and other factors:

1. Infections

• Bacterial or viral infections (e.g., flu, pneumonia, urinary tract infections) often cause chills due to fever or the body’s immune response.

2. Fever

• A common cause of chills as the body tries to regulate temperature during a fever.

3. Inflammation

• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders can cause chills due to systemic inflammation.

4. Hypothermia

• Exposure to cold environments or inability to regulate body temperature can lead to internal chills.

5. Endocrine Imbalances

• Issues like hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency can cause feelings of coldness and chills.

6. Blood Disorders

• Anemia can make the body more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, leading to chills.

7. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance

• This can lead to temperature regulation problems, causing chills.

8. Stress or Anxiety

• Acute stress responses can result in chills due to the body’s sympathetic nervous system activation.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• Persistent chills with fever that last for several hours or days, or if the fever is above 101°F (38.3°C).
• Severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or lethargy.
• Significant dehydration or symptoms of shock (e.g., rapid heart rate, dizziness, fainting).
• Known underlying health conditions like immune suppression, diabetes, or heart disease, where chills could indicate a more serious issue.
• If chills are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or prolonged fatigue.