Can GERD cause chills?

Chills are an involuntary feeling of cold or shivering and may occur before or during a fever. Reflux can make you feel uncomfortable, but it does not usually account for a raised temperature or rigors. Influenza, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, malaria and dengue fever can present with chills. Sepsis is a serious response to infection and may include confusion, very fast breathing, extreme weakness or clammy skin. Recent travel, urinary symptoms, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting and the duration of symptoms help guide assessment.

Check your temperature if you can and note when the chills began, whether they recur, and any cough, pain, rash, vomiting or urinary change. Drink fluids if you can keep them down and rest. Do not use reflux symptoms to explain away fever. Contact a clinician promptly for repeated chills, a high temperature, worsening pain, dehydration or symptoms after travel to a malaria-risk area.

Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, blue or mottled skin, a seizure, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent assessment is also needed if you are unable to keep fluids down or have severe pain with fever. These warning signs can occur with serious infection and are not explained by ordinary heartburn.

Could an infection explain my chills? Which tests might identify the source? Does my travel history change the assessment? How can I manage reflux while this illness is being evaluated?