Chills can occur as a symptom of various illnesses, usually as part of infections. You can read here how to treat chills with home remedies and when you should see a doctor.
If you have chills, your whole body will tremble and you will be plagued by cold shivers. This often happens in bouts and is usually a symptom of infectious diseases with fever. The shaking occurs because the muscles tremble uncontrollably in order to increase the body temperature. It often occurs before the actual fever. So what should you do if you have chills?
Chills: These are the causes
As already mentioned, chills occur mainly in infectious diseases that are accompanied by fever. According to Netdoktor, possible causes are:
- Colds and flu
- Pneumonia
- scarlet
- Blood poisoning
In some cases, chills can occur without fever. According to Netdoktor, there are other causes behind this, such as sunstroke, hypothermia, mushroom poisoning or withdrawal symptoms.
Important: If chills are not just associated with a common cold but indicate another illness, you should see a doctor. Pneumonia, hypothermia, etc. require medical treatment.
Effective home remedies for chills
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You can counteract chills with a few simple home remedies. Treatment depends on whether the chills occur with fever, i.e. due to an infection, or without fever.
Home remedies for chills with fever:
According to Netdoktor, if you have chills with fever, you need to raise your body temperature. Then the involuntary muscle tremors will stop.
- Put on long clothes and cover yourself. Warm socks also work wonders.
- Take a warm foot bath. Note: A cold bath might be your first idea when you have chills, but if you already have a fever, it can quickly affect your circulation. A warm or rising foot bath is the more circulatory-friendly alternative.
- Warm your body from the inside and drink warm tea. Linden blossom, elderflower and rosehip peel tea are good options. These are not only warming, but also sweat-inducing.
- Drink a lot! When you have an infection, you always need to give your body plenty of fluids.
- Use a hot water bottle or a cherry stone pillow.
Home remedies for chills caused by heat stroke or sunstroke:
If the chills are caused by heat stroke or sunstroke, you should not give your body any additional heat. Instead, the body needs to be cooled, according to Netdoktor.
- Do not stay in the sun any longer. Go into the shade or, preferably, into an air-conditioned building.
- Sit upright so that your upper body and head are elevated.
- Use cold, moist compresses for the forehead, neck and calves.
Children and chills: what to do?
Children can also get chills if they have a fever, for example. It is important to keep the body warm, for example with warm clothing, blankets or warm drinks.
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Edited by Nora Braatz
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