Suddenly felt very cold, then developed a fever.
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Suddenly feeling cold followed by fever may be caused by factors such as bacterial infection, viral infection, upper respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, or hypothyroidism. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or dermatomyositis could also be responsible, and it is important to actively cooperate with doctors for treatment. During this period, patients should avoid exposure to cold and overexertion.
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Suddenly feeling cold followed by fever may be caused by factors such as bacterial infection, viral infection, upper respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, or hypothyroidism. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Bacterial Infection
When certain parts or organs of the body are infected by bacteria, common symptoms include fever and headache. If the condition is indeed caused by specific bacterial infections, medications such as amoxicillin capsules or azithromycin tablets may be prescribed under a doctor's guidance.
2. Viral Infection
Typical symptoms of viral infections include fever, chills, cough, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Fevers caused by viral infections are usually self-limiting. Under medical supervision, antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be used.
3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Colds often occur after exposure to cold temperatures or getting caught in the rain. Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens invade the body and affect the function of the body's temperature regulation center, leading to increased body temperature. During this phase, as heat production increases and heat dissipation decreases, patients may feel cold, often accompanied by cough and sputum production. This condition can progress into pneumonia if untreated. Medications such as compound paracetamol adamantane amine capsules or ibuprofen suspension should be taken as directed by a physician.
4. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis can be triggered by irregular eating habits or consumption of contaminated food. The resulting inflammation increases inflammatory substances in the body, raising the body's temperature set point and causing fever. As body temperature rises—sometimes exceeding ambient temperature—capillaries constrict and skin blood flow decreases, causing chills. Symptoms may also include bloating and abdominal pain. Treatment may involve antibiotics such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules or cefaclor capsules, as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be caused by thyroid damage or iodine deficiency, leading to reduced levels of thyroid hormones, slowed metabolism, decreased energy expenditure, and reduced heat production, which makes the body feel cold. However, if excessive medication is used during treatment, fever may occur. Common symptoms include fatigue and a dull facial expression. Patients should strictly follow medical advice when taking medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets or thyroid tablets.
In addition, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or dermatomyositis may also cause similar symptoms. It is important to cooperate actively with medical treatment and avoid exposure to cold and overexertion during recovery to prevent worsening of the condition.
