You feel shivering cold inside your body, often described as chills, because of rapid muscle contraction and relaxation, which is your body's way of generating heat.
Understanding the Shivering Mechanism
When your body senses that its core temperature is dropping, it initiates a process to raise it. This process often involves shivering. The feeling of being cold "inside" is simply the perception of this physiological response.
- Muscle Contraction: Rapid contraction and relaxation of your muscles generate heat.
- Heat Production: This heat helps to raise your body's core temperature.
- Chills as a Warning: Chills can also signal that a fever is developing or that your body temperature is about to increase. They are the body's way of preparing for a change in its internal environment.
Potential Causes of Internal Shivering
The causes of shivering range from simple environmental factors to underlying medical conditions.
Environmental Factors
- Exposure to Cold: Being in a cold environment is the most common reason for shivering.
- Sudden Temperature Changes: Rapid drops in temperature can trigger a shivering response.
Medical Conditions
- Infections: Infections like the flu or common cold are frequent causes of chills. According to the provided reference, chills are an important symptom with certain diseases such as malaria.
- Fever: As mentioned, chills often precede or accompany a fever.
- Other Illnesses: Certain other illnesses can also lead to chills as a symptom.
What to Do When You Feel Chills
Here's what you can do if you experience chills:
- Warm Up: Wrap yourself in blankets or warm clothing.
- Drink Warm Liquids: Sip on warm beverages like tea or soup.
- Monitor Your Temperature: Take your temperature to see if you have a fever.
- Seek Medical Advice: If chills persist, are accompanied by a high fever, or if you suspect a more serious condition, consult a doctor.
