Poop chills: what they may mean and what to do

The sensation may happen briefly when abdominal cramping, straining or a sudden bowel movement triggers the autonomic nervous system. Feeling cold after diarrhoea can also occur when fluid loss or fever is developing.

A short episode without other symptoms may settle on its own. Chills accompanied by fever, loose stools, vomiting or abdominal pain can occur with an infection such as influenza or gastroenteritis; the bowel symptom does not identify one cause by itself.

Urinary symptoms or pain in the side or back can point to a urinary tract infection or kidney infection. After travel or mosquito exposure, fever and chills need prompt clinical assessment because illnesses such as malaria or dengue fever can present this way. Severe infection can progress to sepsis.

Warm yourself with comfortable clothing and sip fluids regularly. If diarrhoea or vomiting is present, an oral rehydration drink may help replace water and salts. Rest, record your temperature, and note the stool changes, timing and any recent food, travel or sick contacts.

Avoid taking leftover antibiotics. Arrange medical advice if episodes keep returning, last beyond a short period, or occur with fever, repeated diarrhoea, painful urination or worsening pain. A clinician may need to examine you and decide whether urine, stool or blood tests are appropriate.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, blue or very pale skin, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, stiff neck, or inability to keep fluids down. These signs can accompany serious infection or dehydration.

Get prompt assessment for a high or persistent fever, blood or black stool, very little urine, or chills after travel to a malaria-risk area. If you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised or managing a serious long-term condition, use a lower threshold for medical advice.

Ask: Could the chills be related to an infection, dehydration or a medicine? What symptoms should prompt emergency care? Do I need urine, stool or blood testing? Which fluids and foods are suitable while my bowel symptoms settle?