Shivering occurs when the body’s muscles contract and relax in an effort to regulate internal temperature. While it often happens due to cold, it can also be a response by the immune system to fight off an infection or disease.
Shivering without a fever can have several causes, such as anemia, allergies, digestive system disorders, kidney stones, or an underactive thyroid gland, RIA Novosti reports. This condition is often accompanied by shivering and nausea.
Shivering is a symptom that can indicate various diseases. Possible causes include respiratory tract infections, bacterial endocarditis, digestive system disorders, and conditions affecting the upper or lower urinary tract. Colds, viruses, and infections do not always cause a fever. That is why, in the case of sudden and recurring tremors, you should seek medical attention, especially if other symptoms accompany it, such as weakness, headache, or nausea.
Other possible causes include:
- Diseases of the endocrine system
- Hypertensive crisis
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- Allergic reactions
- Frostbite
- Anemia
- Coronavirus
- Stress”
Shivering is primarily a symptom, not a disease; therefore, its treatment depends on the underlying cause. If shivering is caused by a mild infection, home treatment with bed rest and plenty of fluids is recommended. It’s also important to stay warm. If the sensation of cold is related to an infectious disease, symptoms of body intoxication may develop. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention.
Tremors can indicate diseases that, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications, including coma and organ failure.
Shivering can be prevented by dressing warmly. It’s best to choose layered clothing to regulate body temperature. Heavy sweating followed by cold can significantly reduce the body’s ability to stay warm.
It is important to give up bad habits. In the case of diabetes, you must constantly monitor blood sugar levels. The same applies to other chronic diseases—ongoing monitoring is necessary.
If shivering starts suddenly, drinking hot chocolate, coffee, or tea can help raise your internal body temperature. However, if the cause of the shivering is an infection or another health issue, prevention alone is not enough; the underlying cause must be addressed.
