Chills and Other Illnesses
Besides the common cold, there are many other ailments that can cause chills. Some of these illnesses include bacterial infections, malaria, anemia, and heat-related illness.
Body’s response to heat
Whether you are dealing with a cold winter night or a warm summer day, the body’s response to heat is surprisingly complex. It is a systemic inflammatory response that involves leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and multiorgan failure.
To understand the human response to heat, it is important to understand the three major mechanisms used by the body to keep itself warm. These mechanisms are vasoconstriction, sweating, and vasodilation.
Vasodilation is a process in which blood vessels dilate, increasing the flow of blood. This process makes your body feel warm and increases tactile sensitivity. It also helps prevent cold injuries.
Sweat is another mechanism used by the body to keep itself cool. It contains salts and other fluids that help cool the body. It is also a good indication of a cold weather emergency.
Thermoregulation is an umbrella term that encompasses all of the processes used by the body to regulate its temperature. The temperature of the environment is called ambient temperature. The body’s thermostat is located in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. It is responsible for integrating thermosensory information from various sites in the body. The thermostat is primarily responsible for coordinating the body’s main human systems.
The thermostat’s main objective is to maintain the body’s temperature at a safe level. It is aided by the alpha-adrenoceptors. These receptors are responsible for heat conservation, as well as increased peripheral perfusion.
Thermoregulation can be impaired by overexertion, certain medications, or diseases. This can lead to heat stroke or heat stroke-like symptoms. The most important thing is to seek medical advice if your temperature does not go down.
Physical activity
During the colder months, it’s understandable that you may feel a bit shivery after an intense workout. Although it’s not always advisable to do something that is a chore, you should always make sure you are hydrated before, during, and after exercise.
In general, a workout is a great way to increase your overall health and improve your fitness level. However, you shouldn’t overdo it. This can lead to dehydration and a host of other health issues. If you have a health condition that’s chronic or serious, see your doctor.
A cold or fever can also cause you to experience chills. It’s not uncommon for young children to experience fevers, but you don’t want to let your child get carried away with a fever during the hottest part of the day.
A great way to reduce the chills is to take a bath in warm water. After the bath, it’s best to dress in layers to maintain your body’s heat. It’s also wise to take note of the temperature, as the colder it is, the worse the chills will be.
A good exercise routine is a great way to improve your health and stave off the dreaded cold. However, you should also avoid doing it in the coldest months of the year. Fever and chills can be a sign of more serious health problems. If you’re feeling the onset of a cold or fever, contact your physician immediately.
Anemia
Those suffering from iron-deficiency anemia may suffer from chills. This condition occurs when there is not enough iron to make red blood cells, which are needed for transporting oxygen.
Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem in the United States. Around 3 million people suffer from this disease. It’s also common among women, especially those who are pregnant.
The most common symptom of anemia is fatigue. It can be caused by low iron levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and other factors.
Anemia is also caused by other diseases, such as cancer, kidney failure, and infectious diseases. If you have symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. If you’re pregnant, a blood test can determine if you have iron-deficiency anemia.
Another symptom is shortness of breath. In severe cases, this can result in heart failure. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, or pale skin. Symptoms of anemia may be more severe than those of other health problems.
If you are pregnant, your doctor may suggest increasing your iron intake. You can also take prenatal vitamins, which contain iron. However, if you are under 50, you need only 32 milligrams of iron each day.
You can also get iron from foods. For example, a serving of cooked dark chicken meat has about 1 milligram of iron. A three-ounce serving of braised beef has about 2 milligrams. You can also get it from leafy greens, tea, and cereals.
Malaria
Throughout human history, malaria has been a deadly disease that has caused the death of millions. Today, malaria is a significant contributor to global poverty and disease. It can be prevented through the use of malaria prevention measures.
Malaria is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes can be reduced by insecticides and other personal protective measures. These measures include wearing protective clothing and avoiding contact with night-feeding Anopheles mosquitoes.
There are four species of malaria parasites that can infect humans. The most severe is Plasmodium falciparum, which can cause severe infections and even death.
Malaria can be prevented by taking chemoprophylaxis against mosquito vectors. This includes personal protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing, and mosquito-control measures such as destroying breeding grounds.
The most important way to prevent malaria is to be treated it early. It’s important to see a physician if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, shaking chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, or headache.
In the United States, malaria is diagnosed in approximately 2,000 people each year. Those who travel to malaria-endemic countries or who are pregnant are especially at risk.
Malaria can be treated with prescription drugs, such as artemether or proguanil. Self-treatment is also effective. Some medications can be purchased abroad, but it is important to note the manufacturer’s name before purchasing.
In addition, malaria can be prevented by community-wide measures to control vectors. These include destroying breeding grounds and using insecticides to repel mosquitoes.
Bacterial infections
Having chills and vomiting is a symptoms of some bacterial infections. However, it has not been studied systematically.
To study the relationship between shaking chills and bacterial infections, we analyzed 45 patients who had been hospitalized with shaking chills. The patients were asked about their history of shaking chills. We also assessed whether shaking chills were associated with bacteremia.
The results show that shaking chills are significantly associated with bacteremia. However, there was no significant association between shaking chills and species of bacteria.
We used a logistic regression model to analyze the relationship between shaking chills and species of bacteria. The model was based on the clinical presentation of shaking chills and blood cultures. We also added the weighted weekly incidence of viral infections to the prior antibiotics and age.
The results showed that patients who have shaking chills are more likely to have viral infections. However, this is not an accurate indicator of bacteremia. In addition, the proportion of patients who have shaking chills is higher when viral infections are less prevalent.
The findings also show that bacterial infections are more likely to cause shaking chills in children than adults. Therefore, pediatricians and parents should take special care of children with shaking chills.
A complete chest X-ray can be done to diagnose pneumonia. Other diagnostic methods include blood cultures and tissue samples. However, the most effective way to prevent bacterial infections is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, wear lightweight clothes, and keep personal items clean.
Common side effects of chemotherapy and anesthesia
During chemotherapy and anesthesia, your body can be affected by many side effects. These effects vary depending on the type of cancer you have and the chemotherapy drugs you receive. But most of them should go away on their own after treatment.
One of the most common side effects is fatigue. This can be related to a low blood count, a lack of appetite, sleep problems, and even emotional distress. It can take several months or even years for your body to return to normal.
Another common side effect is mouth sores. This usually happens within 5 to 14 days after chemotherapy and can get infected if not treated. Your doctor will advise you on the best method of treatment for you.
Another common side effect is drowsiness. Your doctor may prescribe antiemetics, which helps reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. These medications are often taken at home. They should be taken slowly and chewed well.
In addition to the typical side effects, cancer treatment can also damage healthy cells. These cells include blood cells, kidneys, and the nervous system. Some drugs can also damage the heart.
Some chemotherapy procedures may also cause a prick or pinch during needle insertion. This can also lead to nausea. Your doctor will also check your blood count and platelet count during treatment.
Your doctor may also give you medicines to help reduce pain. This is called palliative care. It is a key part of cancer treatment.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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