What causes chills all over the body after receiving an intravenous infusion?
Nov 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Feeling cold all over after intravenous infusion may be caused by low fluid temperature or a cold environment. The medication bottle can be warmed. It could also result from bacterial infection, in which case cefixime dispersible tablets or amoxicillin capsules may be used. Allergic reactions can also cause these symptoms; adding loratadine tablets or cetirizine tablets may help. Feeling cold after infusion can also occur with common cold and fever. In such cases, acetaminophen or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used.
Getting an IV drip usually refers to intravenous infusion. Feeling cold all over after an IV infusion may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological causes such as bacterial infection, drug allergy, or the common cold.
I. Physiological Factors
The infused fluid may be relatively cold due to low temperature of the solution in the IV bottle or a cool surrounding environment. When the medication enters the blood vessels, it may draw heat away from the body, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Applying a hot water bottle to warm the IV bag or improving body insulation can help alleviate this.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Bacterial Infection
If the medication contains impurities or has been contaminated by bacteria, it may trigger a febrile reaction after entering the body. This leads to elevated body temperature regulation, and the body attempts to increase its temperature by reducing heat loss, resulting in the described symptoms. If symptoms are severe, anti-infective medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets or amoxicillin capsules may be used under medical guidance.
2. Drug Allergy
If a patient has an allergic reaction to the infused medication, the same symptoms may occur, possibly accompanied by cold sweats and decreased blood pressure. The offending drug should be discontinued and replaced. Antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine tablets may be added as directed by a physician.
3. Common Cold
Patients with a cold who develop fever may also feel cold all over after receiving an IV infusion. Antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used under medical supervision.
In addition, infusing the IV too quickly can also lead to feeling cold all over after the infusion. It is recommended to identify the underlying cause and manage it accordingly.
