Can taking a cold shower at night cause fever?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Good physical condition and a high ambient temperature mean that regular cold showers have been well adapted to, with no discomfort or fever occurring. However, when the external environment is too cold and the individual has poor physical health, taking cold showers can stimulate skin constriction, triggering a series of stress responses in the body and potentially inducing fever.
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Taking a cold shower at night usually does not cause fever in individuals with good physical health. However, those with weaker constitutions who fail to keep warm afterward may develop a fever. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. No fever
In individuals with strong physical health and in environments with relatively high ambient temperatures, regularly taking cold showers allows the body to fully adapt to the discomfort caused by cold water, thus preventing the occurrence of fever.
2. Fever may occur
When the surrounding environment is very cold and the individual has poor physical health, a cold shower can stimulate skin constriction and trigger a series of stress responses in the body, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nervous tension. These reactions may easily induce a fever.
If body temperature rises after taking a cold shower, it's important to measure body temperature. If the temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling methods are recommended. However, if body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, oral antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen capsules or acetaminophen tablets may be taken. Additionally, it's essential to maintain proper body warmth and avoid further cold showers.
