Why does the body feel hot and the hands and feet feel cold during a fever?
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Feeling hot on the body while hands and feet are cold may be caused by factors such as influenza, anemia, severe infection, underdeveloped nervous system, heart disease, etc. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm water regularly to promote excretion and help alleviate fever. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Feeling hot on the body while having cold hands and feet may be caused by factors such as influenza, anemia, severe infection, underdeveloped nervous system, or heart disease. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Influenza
Fever is the body's self-protective response to infection. Cold hands and feet may result from blood vessel constriction and poor circulation caused by infection, while a hot sensation on the body is typically due to the fever itself. For fever caused by viral infections, medications such as ribavirin dispersible tablets or oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be taken under a doctor’s guidance.
2. Anemia
If a patient has anemia, it may lead to cold hands and feet, as anemia reduces oxygen levels in the blood, thereby affecting circulation. Blood-replenishing treatments such as ferrous succinate tablets, folic acid tablets, or dexamethasone acetate tablets may be taken under medical supervision.
3. Severe Infection
In cases of severe infection leading to shock, patients often initially present with low blood pressure, cold limbs, and cold sweats. When fever occurs, it may be accompanied by cold hands and feet. Medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets can be taken as directed by a physician.
4. Underdeveloped Nervous System
This condition primarily occurs in infants and young children, whose nervous systems are not fully developed. Poor neural regulation may lead to cold extremities during fever. Medications such as amoxicillin granules or Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid may be used under medical advice.
5. Heart Disease
If a patient has heart disease, it may cause symptoms of cold hands and feet along with a hot body. Relief may be achieved with medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, taken under a doctor’s direction.
Patients are advised to drink plenty of warm water regularly to promote excretion and help alleviate fever. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
