Chills are usually an indication of the onset of a fever or infection. They are common in both children and adults. There are plenty of reasons that make the body susceptible to chills.
Let’s learn how:
What are chills without fever?
Chills are referred to as feeling cold without any cause. This can occur without a fever but may cause symptoms such as shivering or shaking. These types of body chills can be quite consistent and can last for several minutes or even an hour.
Symptoms of chills without fever:
Chills can occur due to exposure to sudden cold weather or it can also be an indication of bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes chills can occur in our body without a fever. Here are few symptoms to watch out for:
1. Muscle spasms (Shivering):
You will experience muscles spasms or shivering when your body makes an attempt to produce heat for increasing its temperature. This reaction causes the muscles to contract.
2. Fever (Oftentimes):
When the body temperature changes, there might be symptoms like slight fever.
3. Goosebumps (Sometimes):
You will notice Goosebumps on your skin when you feel cold or even in moments of stress. It can also occur when chills manifest.
4. Chattering teeth:
Body shiver is a type of muscles contraction that allows our body to produce heat. Chattering teeth is often accompanied with chills.
5. Sweating:
When our body tries generating more heat in colder environments, we begin to sweat more in warmer spots like armpits.
Causes of chills without fever:
Though chills are often accompanied by a fever, that might always not be the case. There are several medical conditions that might lead to chills without fever. It can include the following points:
1. Gastroenteritis:
Gastroenteritis is caused due to bacterial or viral infections. Its symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
2. Common cold:
The common cold is most often caused by viral infections. It is often accompanied by symptoms like runny nose and coughing.
3. Mononucleosis:
Mononucleosis is also known as the glandular fever or the ‘kissing disease.’ Its symptoms are sore throat, headache, skin rash, and soft swollen spleen.
4. Influenza:
Caused by viral infection and its symptoms are aching muscles, sweats, chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat and nasal congestion.
5. Meningitis:
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges- a membrane that protects the brain. Its symptoms are lethargy, loss of appetite, chills, shivering, and malaise.
6. Pneumonia:
Pneumonia is caused due to an inflammation of the lungs. Its symptoms are coughing, fever, and breathlessness.
7. Strep throat:
Strep throat is caused by an infection with streptococcus. Its symptoms are sore throat, and finding difficulty in swallowing food.
8. Infection of the urinary tract:
Infection of the urinary tract is caused by pyelonephritis which is a bacterial infection. Its symptoms can be sensation of a full bladder, increased urinary frequency, and abdominal cramps.
9. Gallbladder stones:
Gallbladder stones are caused by calculus accumulation in the gallbladder. Its symptoms include biliary colic, abdominal pain, and nausea.
10. Bladder infection:
Bladder infection is often accompanied by a bacterial infection. Its symptoms are finding difficulty in urinating.
Here is the list of Home Remedies for Chills without Fever:
1. Lemon and Hot Water:
Lemon is known for its medicinal and antioxidant properties. It can help to prevent bacterial and viral infections.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 ½ tsp of lemon and ½ tsp of grated ginger in a cup of warm water.
- Drink it on an empty stomach or after meals.
Note: If you suffer from acid reflux constantly then do not take this solution on an empty stomach.
2. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is an alternative health provider of infusing vitamins and minerals to the body. It is a great remedy to have when you experience sudden chills. The tea can take care of fluctuating body temperature.
How to use:
- Add one to three tsp of dried herb in a vessel.
- Heat one cup of water and bring it to boil.
- Pour the hot water into the herbs.
- Allow it to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
Note: You can also add honey, sugar, and cream for taste.
3. Sponging
Sponging the body with warm water can control body temperature. It can help to cool down the body and thus decrease body temperature.
How to use:
- Dip a sponge or clean cloth in a bowl of hot water.
- Wipe the body using the sponge or clean cloth.
- Repeat the process for 20-30 minutes.
Note: If your temperature continues to increase, then you should consult a doctor.
4. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a great remedy to fight symptoms of flu and respiratory tract infections. It is great remedy for those suffering from chills as it provides hydration to the body. The chicken soup contains nutritious ingredients that are easy to digest as well.
How to use:
- Prepare the chicken soup using ingredients like onions, sage, thyme, apple cider vinegar, carrot, and celery.
- You can make use of one whole small chicken.
- Add ginger, garlic, and turmeric to reduce symptoms associated with chills.
Note: Making use of smaller sized chickens can bring out a richer broth and flavor because it contains more skin, bone, and connective tissue.
5. Steam Treatment:
Steam treatment is an effective remedy to clear nose and chest congestion. People suffering from various cold symptoms should try this method.
How to use:
- Pour hot water into a wide vessel.
- Cover your head and the pot with a towel.
- Inhale the steam for 30 seconds through your nose.
Note: You can also add a drop of menthol or eucalyptus to the water.
6. Diet
You should maintain a healthy diet of green veggies and fruits to regulate body temperature at a normal rate. Additionally, consume warm foods to internally warm the effect of body temperature.
How to use:
- Include plenty of fluids like water and soup.
- Try boiled or steamed vegetables, and vegetables soups.
- Add whole grained crackers and bread in small quantities.
Note: Avoid heavy foods with spices, fat, and oil.
7. Hydration:
Drink a lot of fluids such as water and juice to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. If you are dehydrated then it can lead to weakness and abnormal chills.
How to use:
- Drink fluids throughout the day in intervals.
8. Cranberry Juice:
Chills can be accompanied because of kidney infection or UTI. Drinking cranberry juice to clear off toxins from the body and treat the infection.
How to use:
- Drink two to four glasses of cranberry juice daily.
Note: Remember that reducing bacterial levels in the body cannot cure an existing kidney infection.
9. Warm Shower:
A warm shower is one of the most effective methods to shake off deep chills. After your body gets exposed to cold, it can get hard for getting your body temperature back to normal. Taking a warm shower can help to warm up the body.
How to use:
- Take a warm shower to clear logged sinuses and prevent decongestion from cold.
Note: Taking a warm shower can help to lower their stress levels and ease anxiety too.
Food to Eat:
You can modify your diet to support your body’s immune system. You should talk to your dietician for modifying your diet to treat sudden cold symptoms.
Avoid these Foods:
Avoid foods that can cause dehydration and boost mucus production. Do not make use of alcohol and caffeinated beverages when you have symptoms of chills as it can deplete the body of water supply and lead to dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Prevent refined foods made with refined sugars and flours.
Eat These Foods:
Include foods that are rich in Vitamin C as it can prevent common cold symptoms. Also consume hot liquid fluids as it can help to keep mucus secretions thin.
- Drink orange juice to increase Vitamin C.
- Include foods like chicken, fish, turkey, bananas, and oatmeal to protect white-cell organs.
- Apples, tomato sauce, and cranberries.
- Water, juice, soup, and herbal tea.
When to See a Doctor:
You can see a doctor if your chills do not subside after 48 hours of home care. Look out for certain symptoms such as the stiff neck, severe cough, breathlessness, wheezing, sluggishness, fatigue, mood swings, abdominal pain, frequent or no urination, painful urination, forceful vomiting and sensitivity to bright light.
Precaution for Chills without Fever:
- You should treat a child suffering from chills depending on their age and body temperature. Follow the dosing direction on package strictly.
- Do not put a heavy blanket or heavy clothing on children. Instead, dress them in lightweight clothes.
- Allow your child to stay hydrated by giving them fluids throughout the day like water, juice and herbal tea.
- Never offer aspirin to a child below the age of 18.
Tips for Chills without Fever:
- Take a rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Take aspirin if you are above 18 years old.
- Pat skin with a wet washcloth.
Final Words about Chills without Fever
- Consider several factors to prevent chills like considering the person’s age and body temperature.
- Children are needed to be treated differently when they are ill.
- Reach out to a doctor for correct treatment.
If your symptoms are mild, then you can be fine after plenty of rest and fluids. You can drop a comment below if you have any question.
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