Feeling cold and shaky

7 Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, and More

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Chills (shivering) are caused by rapid alternation between muscle contractions and relaxation. These muscle contractions are a way your body tries to warm itself up when you’re cold.

Chills are often, though not always, associated with fever. Sometimes, they precede the onset of fever, especially if the fever is caused by an infection. Other times, they occur without a spike in temperature. Chills may or may not be serious, depending on the underlying cause.

Chills without fever can be caused by a number of conditions.

1. Exposure to cold

You may experience chills because you are in a very cold place, such as the ocean or a pool, or outside on a chilly day. You can also get chills if your clothing becomes damp or wet. You can get chills indoors, too, if the air-conditioning is set too cold or the heat isn’t hot enough.

As the human body ages, it has a more difficult time regulating body temperatureTrusted Source, even in healthy older adults. Medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can make the problem worse.

These types of chills should dissipate as soon as your body warms up. However, if you experience continual shaking when you have been exposed to intense cold, you may have developed complications such as hypothermia or frostbite, which are both potentially serious.

Other symptoms of these conditions can include:

numbness
changes in skin color
slurred speech
extreme drowsiness
stinging or burning sensation, particularly in the fingers, toes, ears, or nose
blisters

Seek immediate medical help if you suspect hypothermia or frostbite.

2. Medication side effect

Chills without fever may result from taking certain medications or combinations of medications. They may also occur if you take the incorrect dosage of an over-the-counter medication, herbal supplement, or prescription drug.

Always read the potential side effects information included with medication packaging. If you suspect that you’re having chills because of a drug or drugs you use, let your doctor or pharmacist know immediately. Depending on the severity, you may require medical attention.

3. Reaction to extreme physical activity

Marathon running or other forms of extreme sports that require intense physical exertion may cause changes to your core body temperature. That can result in chills.

This response can happen in any type of weather but may be more likely to occur in very cold or very hot temperatures:

In hot temperatures, heat exhaustion and dehydration may cause this reaction.
In cold temperatures, hypothermia and dehydration may be the cause.

In both instances, other symptoms you might experience include:

goosebumps
muscle cramping
dizziness
fatigue
nausea and vomiting

You can avoid chills from exercise by remaining hydrated and dressing appropriately for your workouts. Consider avoiding exercise during the coldest or hottest times of day and also limiting the duration of time spent in intense activity.

Hydrating and getting your temperature back into a normal range are usually enough to eliminate your symptoms.

In some instances, though, you may require IV fluids to treat the condition.

4. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

An underactive thyroid is a thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough of the hormones needed to regulate metabolic rate or support overall health. This condition can cause an increased sensitivity to cold, resulting in chills.

Additional symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:

puffiness in the face
unexplained weight gain
dry skin, nails, and hair
muscle weakness, pain, or stiffness
depression or feelings of sadness
trouble with memory
constipation

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a blood test. It’s a treatable condition and typically requires daily medication.

5. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs if blood sugar levels dip abnormally low. If you have diabetes, it may be a sign that your medication or diet needs to be adjusted. It’s also possible to experience hypoglycemia without diabetes.

Hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment to get blood sugar levels back to normal. One of the symptoms of hypoglycemia is a feeling of shakiness or muscle weakness, which may mimic chills. Other symptoms of this condition include:

sweating
irritability
heart palpitations
tingling feelings around the mouth
confusion
seizures
blurred vision

6. Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when your body lacks necessary nutrients. This can happen because of poor access to nutritious foods, an underlying condition that affects your body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, or an eating disorder, like anorexia. Without the correct balance of nutrients, your body can’t properly function.

Other symptoms of malnutrition include:

fatigue or sleepiness
weakness
difficulty concentrating
pale skin
rashes
heart palpitations
feeling faint or lightheaded, or fainting
tingling or numbness of the joints or extremities
in women, missed periods, heavy menstrual cycles, or infertility

Talk to your doctor if you suspect malnutrition. This is a serious condition that can lead to complications if left untreated.

7. Emotional reaction

Chills can occur if you have a profound or intense emotional reaction to a situation. Emotions that might cause chills include fear or anxiety.

Chills can also be caused by experiences that move you deeply in a positive way, such as listening to music or inspirational words.

This is sometimes referred to as a “frisson.” It may also be called “chills going up the spine” or “goosebumps.” This type of emotional reaction may be causedTrusted Source by neurobiological mechanisms that trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter.

Chills without fever can become serious if you’re experiencing frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions can quickly become a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention or care.

Other conditions that cause chills, such as hypothyroidism, require medical support but may not warrant a visit to the emergency room. If you have the symptoms of this thyroid condition, make an appointment to see your doctor and ask about getting a diagnostic blood test.

If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia but haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, contact your doctor or call your local emergency medical services immediately. If you have diabetes and hypoglycemia symptoms that don’t improve with at-home treatment, seek medical help immediately.

If you have diabetes and your chills are caused by hypoglycemia, take a glucose tablet if you have one. Buy some here. Other ways of balancing your sugar levels include drinking orange juice or regular soda, or eating a few pieces of candy.

If your chills are caused by extreme cold, make sure to get yourself dry if you are wet. Layer up and make sure to cover your head, hands, and feet so that you can capture and maintain as much body heat as possible. Soaking in a warm bath may also help alleviate chills caused by extreme cold. Just make sure to put on warm, dry clothes after you’re done bathing.

If your chills don’t dissipate quickly, talk to your doctor about other treatments that might help.

Chills without fever can often be rectified with at-home treatments or with modifications of behaviors, such as changing your workout routine. They may also be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.

Talk to your doctor if you have chills that don’t go away or if you regularly experience unexplained chills.

Read this article in Spanish.

7 Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Chills (shivering) are caused by rapid alternation between muscle contractions and relaxation. These muscle contractions are a way your body tries to warm itself up when you’re cold.

Chills without fever can be caused by a number of conditions.

1. Exposure to cold

Other symptoms of these conditions can include:

numbness
changes in skin color
slurred speech
extreme drowsiness
stinging or burning sensation, particularly in the fingers, toes, ears, or nose
blisters

Seek immediate medical help if you suspect hypothermia or frostbite.

2. Medication side effect

3. Reaction to extreme physical activity

Marathon running or other forms of extreme sports that require intense physical exertion may cause changes to your core body temperature. That can result in chills.

This response can happen in any type of weather but may be more likely to occur in very cold or very hot temperatures:

In hot temperatures, heat exhaustion and dehydration may cause this reaction.
In cold temperatures, hypothermia and dehydration may be the cause.

In both instances, other symptoms you might experience include:

goosebumps
muscle cramping
dizziness
fatigue
nausea and vomiting

Hydrating and getting your temperature back into a normal range are usually enough to eliminate your symptoms.

In some instances, though, you may require IV fluids to treat the condition.

4. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Additional symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:

puffiness in the face
unexplained weight gain
dry skin, nails, and hair
muscle weakness, pain, or stiffness
depression or feelings of sadness
trouble with memory
constipation

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a blood test. It’s a treatable condition and typically requires daily medication.

5. Hypoglycemia

sweating
irritability
heart palpitations
tingling feelings around the mouth
confusion
seizures
blurred vision

6. Malnutrition

Other symptoms of malnutrition include:

fatigue or sleepiness
weakness
difficulty concentrating
pale skin
rashes
heart palpitations
feeling faint or lightheaded, or fainting
tingling or numbness of the joints or extremities
in women, missed periods, heavy menstrual cycles, or infertility

Talk to your doctor if you suspect malnutrition. This is a serious condition that can lead to complications if left untreated.

7. Emotional reaction

Chills can occur if you have a profound or intense emotional reaction to a situation. Emotions that might cause chills include fear or anxiety.

Chills can also be caused by experiences that move you deeply in a positive way, such as listening to music or inspirational words.

Chills without fever can become serious if you’re experiencing frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions can quickly become a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention or care.

If your chills don’t dissipate quickly, talk to your doctor about other treatments that might help.

Talk to your doctor if you have chills that don’t go away or if you regularly experience unexplained chills.

Read this article in Spanish.

Why chills occur without fever

The feeling of cold, in which the body is covered with goosebumps, can accompany various physiological processes. But a sharp chill and trembling can indicate the development of some serious pathologies. What you should pay attention to and when the causes of chills without fever in men and women require a visit to the doctor, in our article.

What is thermoregulation?

Thermoregulation is the body's ability to maintain a constant body temperature regardless of environmental conditions. With a decrease in air temperature, the body reduces heat loss by constricting blood vessels and reducing evaporation. With its increase, it increases heat transfer due to vasodilation and more sweat production.

When it's cold outside, the body gets chills, a muscle and skin reaction that helps the body warm up. It is formed by trembling and muscle spasm, which increases heat production. Also, a feeling of chills accompanies "goosebumps" - the appearance of goosebumps on the skin that raise the hairline. After getting into a warm room, all these signs disappear.

Chills often occur against the background of high temperature in infectious diseases and severe inflammation. This is due to a violation of the processes of thermoregulation and attempts by the body to bring the system into a state of equilibrium. But these sensations can also occur for other reasons without hyper- or hypothermia.

Causes of severe chills without fever

The causes of chills are physiological and pathological. Most often, it occurs due to the fact that a person is in a cold room for a long time or is not dressed for the weather. The brain receives the appropriate signals and starts processes that help a person warm up.

Other causes of this condition, which is not accompanied by freezing or infection, include the following:

Feature group	Cause
Trauma and severe stress	The symptom develops against the background of the release of stress hormones.
Endocrine disorders	Diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and some other metabolic disorders lead to impaired thermoregulation
Autonomic disorders of the nervous system	Vegetovascular dystonia, somatoform disorder, hyperexcitability also cause violations of thermoregulation
Diseases of the cardiovascular system	They can cause a violation of the peripheral blood supply, due to which thermoregulation cannot proceed normally.
Systemic and autoimmune diseases	With the destruction of the nervous tissue, the normal regulation of body temperature is also disturbed.
Some infections	For example, with tuberculosis or chronic infection, night chills may be observed against the background of increased sweating and normal body temperature.
Medication	It can also be thrown into the cold while taking certain medications. Such a property, for example, may have local anesthesia.

In addition, it can be shivering against the background of allergic and oncological diseases, severe forms of anemia and during the development of a hypertensive crisis. As a result of these processes, the normal state of the internal environment of the body is disturbed, which leads to hypothermia and impaired temperature regulation.

Important! In women, violation of thermoregulation, on the background of which she begins to shiver, can occur against the background of menopause. If the attacks occur infrequently, go away on their own and are not accompanied by other symptoms, this does not require treatment.

What symptoms to look for if it freezes without a temperature?

By itself, chills, especially if it is short-term and quickly passes by itself, is not a pathology or disease. It can be caused by the fact that the room is cold, or be a response to an unaccounted for stress factor. In this case, the chills do not accompany the person constantly and pass on their own if you dress warmly and reduce stress levels.

However, if the chills happen abruptly without visible external factors and are accompanied by the following symptoms, this is an occasion to consult a doctor and undergo an examination. What are these symptoms?

Abrupt changes in body weight without changing the diet and physical activity (both its increase and decrease).
General weakness, dizziness, fatigue.
Changes in the menstrual cycle in women.
Neurological symptoms (pain, mood swings, etc.) that appear for no apparent reason.
Hair loss.
Frequent thirst that does not go away even after drinking.
Violent itching with chills.
Sensation of constriction in the throat or chest.
Increased sweating at night.

These signs may indicate endocrine disorders, dysfunction in the functioning of the nervous system, and other diseases. Sudden chills, which are accompanied by an attack of suffocation or chest pain, require immediate medical attention, as there may be symptoms of anaphylactic shock against an allergy or hypertensive crisis.

When a person is thrown into the cold without an increase or decrease in body temperature, this indicates serious dysfunctions in the body. Our experts will help you narrow your search and choose diagnostic methods.

Which doctor should be consulted when the body is shaking without fever?

If he often throws into the cold and against this background the patient notices other symptoms, it is necessary to consult with a general practitioner or general practitioner. He will conduct an initial diagnosis and narrow down the circle of reasons why a person suddenly becomes cold.

Diagnosing the causes of chills includes the following steps:

History taking and visual examination.
General and biochemical analysis of blood.
Blood test for latent anemia.
Tests for diabetes mellitus.
Blood test for thyroid hormones.
Bakposevy on flora.
General urine analysis.
Allergy tests.
ELISA and PCR for infectious agents.
Ultrasound examinations of organs.
Computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
Radiography.
Dopplerography.

Based on these studies, a diagnosis is made, and the patient is referred for a consultation with specialized specialists - an endocrinologist, gynecologist, oncologist, neuropathologist. The doctor will select a treatment that will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

What should I do to get rid of chills at normal temperature?

Treatment tactics depend on what caused this condition. In the case when you are shivering against the background of cold weather or inappropriate clothing, you need to drink something warm, go into the room or change clothes to more suitable ones. If it's cold at home, you need to dress warmly and use indoor heaters.

Do not use alcohol for this. Although alcohol causes a temporary sensation of warmth, it leads to vasodilation, which increases heat loss and can cause hypothermia. In some cases, this can lead to fainting and injury.

In all other cases, it is necessary to correct the underlying cause that led to the development of this symptom. The specific treatment is selected by the doctor based on the tests and studies that the patient has undergone. In some cases, such as hormone replacement therapy for menopause or hypothyroidism, treatment may be lifelong.

In the rest, it is carried out until complete recovery or remission, if the cause of chills is a chronic pathology. In this case, it is also recommended to undergo periodic medical examinations to prevent the development of a relapse of the disease. If a hypertensive crisis or a severe allergic reaction is suspected, the patient is hospitalized.

If there is doubt about the diagnosis or treatment prescribed, another doctor should be consulted. Our service provides a "Second Opinion" service, through which you can discuss the disease with a specialized specialist. This is especially true for small towns, where one specialized doctor often sees.

FAQ

Why does the chill happen?

This feeling is the result of the work of thermoregulatory processes. Normally, it occurs in case of a decrease in ambient temperature or with severe stress. However, this feeling can be a sign of serious pathologies.

Why is it chilly and freezing, but there is no temperature?

This can be a symptom of endocrine changes, hormonal disorders, infectious diseases in a chronic form, dysfunction in the nervous system, cancer and some other pathologies.

What causes, when shivering without fever, require treatment?

If the feeling of chills is not caused by external causes (a decrease in air temperature or clothing that is not appropriate for the weather), it requires a visit to a doctor and treatment. The method of therapy depends on the specific cause and severity of the underlying disease.

What to do to get warm?

It depends on the reason why it got cold. If a person is just cold, you need to drink something warm and wear warm clothes. However, if you throw yourself into the cold due to illness, you need to find and eliminate the reason why this happens.

Expert opinion

In itself, the feeling of cold is a normal reaction of the body to environmental factors. However, sometimes it indicates the development of pathological processes that can worsen the quality of life and even lead to death. When this symptom appears, especially if it is accompanied by other signs of illness, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to undergo a diagnosis and choose the right treatment.

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Article author

Cherepenko Lyudmila Vikentievna doctor - therapist • doctor - cardiologist

Experience 37 years

Consultations 9715

Articles 95

A specialist with extensive experience in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, as well as their consequences. Participates, enters at medical conferences, seminars, lectures by Bayer.