What Causes Human Bodies To Be More Sensitive To Cold When They Are Sick?

Posted on Sat, 17 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 Answered on

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : can you tell me what causes our bodies to be more sensitive to cold when we are sick?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The bigger temperature difference!

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

When we are sick, the basal body temperature is raised. How much could we feel really depends on the difference between our core temperature and the temperature of our surroundings.

When we are sick, the difference is bigger and that is why we are more sensitive to lower temperatures than others. Also, the body normally generates heat to compensate for low temperatures. When sick, this process is already strained because the body has already raised the temperature to fight the infection.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (22 minutes later)

can you tell me what part of the body is infected that causes the sensitiivity

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The brain, specifically the hypothalamus!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The hypothalamus is the central command/thermostat for temperature control. During a fever, the set point is set higher. As such, the body temperature is higher than usual. Elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the hypothalamus appear to be the trigger for raising the set-point.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah,
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar