Cold sensation - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Increased sensitivity to cold depends on an alteration of the body temperature control mechanisms.

In general, generalized and localized cold sensations can be distinguished.

Generalized cold sensations

In the presence of fever, a widespread cold sensation often appears, sometimes accompanied by chills.

Some drugs, such as beta-blockers used in cardiac rhythm alterations and high blood pressure, can make you more sensitive to cold.

Hypothyroidism, characterized by reduced thyroid activity with normal or low hormone levels, is also manifested by general coldness. Other typical signs of this disease include: weight gain, fatigue, myxedema, bradycardia, hoarseness and constipation.

A constant feeling of cold can also be a consequence of hypopituitarism (malfunctioning of the pituitary gland) and of the hypothalamus dysfunction (normally used to regulate body temperature). This latter condition, in turn, may be associated with the presence of infections, malnutrition, tumors or head trauma.

The sensation of cold also appears in the case of constitutional or secondary arterial hypotension, bleeding, psychophysical fatigue, childbirth, breastfeeding, convalescence after bacterial or viral infections, vomiting and profuse diarrhea.

The sensation of general cold is also a symptom of iron deficiency anemia and fibromyalgia. Less often, however, this manifestation indicates the presence of leukemia and bone tumors.

Localized cold sensations

On the other hand, the sensation of local cold characterizes the acrocyanosis, the chilblains and Raynaud's syndrome. These conditions are generally triggered by exposure to low temperatures, which induce a vascular reaction and cutaneous manifestations, especially at the extremities (cold hands and feet).