Shivering: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor
When people are cold, the muscles in their body will contract and relax rapidly to generate heat. This causes part or all of the body to shiver or shake. People can still shiver on a warm day if there is a cool breeze or they are sitting in the shade.
Shivering is an involuntary movement of the body, which means that it is uncontrolled. Hiccups and sneezing are other examples of involuntary movements.
Read on to learn about eight causes of shivering and when it is necessary to see a doctor.
What causes shivering?
Shivering occurs most commonly when a person is cold. It is usually temporary and should stop once the individual warms up.
However, shivering can also be a symptom of physical or mental illness.
Below are eight potential causes of shivering:
1. Fever
Other than being cold, the most common cause of shivering is fever, which doctors define as a body temperature higher than 100°F.
Fever usually occurs as a result of infection, but inflammation or an allergic reaction can also increase body temperature. Some people with a fever may also have signs of flu, but others will have no additional symptoms.
Drinking plenty of fluids and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce a temperature.
If a person has other symptoms, particularly a stiff neck, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, they should seek medical advice within 24 hours. If they have no other symptoms, they will only need to visit a doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days.
Shivering can occur when a person regains consciousness after a general anesthetic.
A person’s temperature may drop during a surgical procedure, which can cause them to shiver when they wake up after the operation is over.
Anesthetics can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can make it difficult for the body to warm up quickly after an operation.
Doctors will usually check a person’s temperature and provide them with blankets or heaters if necessary.
Sepsis is an overwhelming response of the body to infection, and it often occurs in connection with lung, skin, gut, or urinary tract infections.
One of the symptoms of sepsis is shivering. Other symptoms include confusion, feeling sweaty or clammy, pain, raised heart rate, and shortness of breath.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. People with sepsis will need prompt treatment with antibiotics in a hospital.
Treating shivering at home and when to see a doctor
Shivering is usually temporary. If it occurs due to a fever, low blood sugar, or a strong emotion, it should resolve once a person treats the underlying cause. They can:
- treat a fever with fluids and NSAIDs
- eat to restore blood sugar levels
- sit down somewhere quiet and breathe slowly to calm strong emotions
Other causes of shivering may be due to an underlying medical condition. If a person is concerned, they should note any other symptoms and seek medical advice.
Takeaway
Shivering can be a more severe symptom for older adults or people with an underlying health condition. Older adults are often less able to regulate their body temperature so they may become cold more quickly. Keeping warm in cold weather is essential for good health.
Fever increases the heart rate and makes breathing faster. This can be serious if a person has a heart or lung condition.
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