Why am I shivering severely with fever?
Jan 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
1. Upper respiratory tract infection (URI): Most URIs are caused by bacterial or viral infections, and patients typically present with coughing, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
2. Lobar pneumonia: Most cases of lobar pneumonia are caused by bacteria such as *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and *Haemophilus influenzae*. Patients commonly experience severe chills and fever, cough, hemoptysis, and pleuritic chest pain.
Severe shivering during fever may be associated with upper respiratory tract infection or lobar pneumonia and can often be treated with oral medications. Below, we address this question in detail.
What Causes Severe Shivering During Fever?
1. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Upper respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include coughing, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, pharyngeal itching, and hoarseness. In severe cases, patients may experience high fever accompanied by intense shivering. Treatment may involve oral administration of medications such as acetaminophen tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, under a physician’s guidance.
2. Lobar Pneumonia
Lobar pneumonia is most frequently caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Clinical manifestations include high fever with severe shivering, cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and possibly nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Under medical supervision, treatment options may include amoxicillin capsules, cefixime granules, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules.
Additional Information: How to Manage Fever
1. Hydration: If the patient is alert and has no severe symptoms—such as persistent vomiting or abdominal pain—and has only low-grade fever, drinking warm saline solution may help maintain hydration and prevent dehydration resulting from excessive sweating during fever reduction.
2. Antipyretic medication: If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C (101.3°F), oral antipyretics such as ibuprofen suspension may be considered.
3. Physical cooling: If fever persists despite medication, physical cooling methods may be employed—e.g., applying cool, damp towels to the forehead, or gently wiping the chest, back, axillae, and inguinal regions with lukewarm water or diluted alcohol.
4. Medical evaluation: If symptoms do not improve, prompt medical consultation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The above outlines potential causes of severe shivering during fever. We hope this information is helpful to you.
