What causes fever after drinking ice water?
Nov 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. Drinking iced water and subsequently developing fever may be caused by respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, or other reasons, and treatment should target the underlying cause. Consuming iced water can irritate the throat, potentially leading to respiratory infections. It may also promote bacterial growth and reproduction in the urinary tract, resulting in urinary tract infections. Additionally, infections in the digestive system can also produce the aforementioned symptoms.
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. Drinking cold water and subsequently developing a fever may be caused by infections such as respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or gastrointestinal infection. Treatment should target the underlying cause.
1. Respiratory Tract Infection
Drinking cold water may irritate the throat, potentially leading to a respiratory tract infection and inflammation in the throat area, resulting in fever. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. As directed by a physician, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be used for treatment, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
Drinking cold water may reduce the body's resistance, making it easier for bacteria to grow and multiply in the urinary tract, causing a urinary tract infection. This can affect the central system and lead to increased body temperature and fever. Typically, antibacterial medications prescribed by a doctor, such as norfloxacin capsules or levofloxacin tablets, can be used for treatment.
3. Gastrointestinal Infection
Drinking cold water may cool the abdomen and irritate the digestive tract, weakening the patient's immunity and making the gastrointestinal tract more susceptible to viral infections, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. These may also include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Generally, antiviral medications recommended by a doctor—such as ribavirin dispersible tablets or oseltamivir phosphate capsules—can be used for treatment.
In addition to the above relatively common causes, fever after drinking cold water could also be related to other factors, such as intra-abdominal infection.
