Dialysis is an important treatment for people whose kidneys are not working properly. It helps remove waste, extra water, and toxins from the blood. Most dialysis sessions go smoothly, but some people may feel *cold or start shivering* during treatment.

If this happens to you, don’t panic. There are several possible reasons why it may occur.

1. Your Body Gets Cold

During dialysis, your blood passes through the dialysis machine before returning to your body. This can sometimes lower your body temperature, making you feel cold and causing shivering.

A warm blanket or adjusting the room temperature may help.

2. Low Blood Pressure

One of the most common reasons for shivering during dialysis is *low blood pressure*. This can happen if too much fluid is removed too quickly.

You may also feel:

* Dizzy
* Weak
* Nauseous
* Sweaty
* Lightheaded

Tell your dialysis nurse right away if you have these symptoms.

3. Infection

If you have *shivering with a fever*, it could be a sign of an infection. This is more likely if you have a dialysis catheter or if your dialysis access site is infected.

Watch for these signs:

* Fever
* Strong chills
* Redness or swelling around the access site
* Pain or pus at the access site

An infection needs medical treatment as soon as possible.

4. Changes in Minerals in Your Blood

Dialysis changes the levels of minerals like sodium and potassium in your blood. Sometimes these changes can make your muscles shake or cause mild shivering.

5. Stress or Anxiety

Some people feel nervous before or during dialysis. Anxiety can sometimes make the body shake or shiver.

What Should You Do If You Start Shivering?

If you start shivering during dialysis:

* Tell your dialysis nurse immediately.
* Ask for a warm blanket if you feel cold.
* Do not ignore the symptoms.
* Follow your doctor’s advice about fluid intake and diet.
* Take all your medicines as prescribed.

When Should You Get Medical Help?

Contact your doctor or dialysis team immediately if you have:

* A fever with chills
* Severe or repeated shivering
* Chest pain
* Trouble breathing
* Fainting or severe dizziness
* Redness, swelling, or discharge from your dialysis access

These symptoms may need urgent medical attention.

Final Thoughts

Shivering during dialysis is fairly common and is often caused by feeling cold or a drop in blood pressure. However, it can sometimes be a sign of an infection or another medical problem.

Always let your dialysis team know if you shiver during treatment. They can find the cause and help make your dialysis sessions safer and more comfortable.