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What are the physiological effects of stress?
The extent of physiological response of the body to stress may vary from individual to individual. However one should keep in mind that it can have devastating effects. The physiological stress response can occur in a number of ways.
It can affect a large number of organs, including brain, lungs, and heart. Apart from affecting the organs, stress also impacts the functioning of the metabolic system, immune system and the sexual response system.
Acute stress can damage the biochemistry of the body. This leads to serious biological disorders. Not only does stress cause diseases, it can also severely impact the pace and course of a disease. Stress has been commonly linked to some serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, immune system breakdown, and heart disease.
Physiological effects of stress
When stress hits the mind, the body is thrown into a tizzy. Here is a list of the aftermaths of physiological stress response:
Stroke:
People who are prone to stress face the risk of hypertension and clogged arteries. This increases the chances of stroke if they experience prolonged periods of stress.
Infections:
As stress weakens the immune system, people who are stressed face an increased risk of infections. Many studies have shown that people with chronic stress have a reduced white blood cell count and are vulnerable to common diseases such as cold, cough, etc.
Gastric problems:
Chronic stress is commonly linked with peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria or by the excessive intake of some medicines (such as aspirin, ibuprofen). Some studies indicate that stress does increase the susceptibility to ulcers or prolongs the cure of an existing ulcer. A chronic stress condition also ends up irritating the large intestine.
Eating problems:
Stress is often linked to weight gain and obesity. When people are stressed they develop a craving towards salt and sugar and end up eating fatty and starchy foods to combat stress. Stressed people may also suffer a loss of appetite and loss of weight. In rare cases, chronic stress triggers hyperactivity of thyroid gland, and this causes the body to burn up calories at a rapid rate.
Diabetes:
Studies have shown that chronic stress is associated with deficient production of insulin in the body.
Pain:
Though it has not yet been conclusively established, researchers suspect that stress aggravates chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or rheumatism.
Sleep disorders:
Unresolved stressful situations can give rise to insomnia, i.e., inability to sleep.
Sexual problems:
Stress can lead to loss of libido, or even temporary impotence in men. In women it can lead to inability to achieve orgasm, reduced fertility, and higher chances of miscarriage, reduced estrogen levels, or even discontinuation of menstruation.
Reduced memory and concentration:
Acute stress can cause impaired memory and lack of concentration, thus inhibiting learning ability and work efficiency.
Miscellaneous:
Nasal allergies like asthma, sinusitis, skin allergies like eczema, acne, itching, and sudden hair loss (alopecia) are the other consequences.
Biological effects of stress
Since the physiological reactions control the working of the various organs in the body, effects of physiological response directly translate to biological effects. This is how some organs can be affected by stress.
Brain:
While stressed, the brain releases neurotransmitters. This is also called chemical messengers, which in turn activate an area of the brain that triggers an emotional response to the stress situation. Apart from the release of the chemical messengers, stress also triggers the brain into producing and releasing steroid hormones.
Heart:
During stress, the blood pressure goes up rapidly and the heart beats faster, causing the arteries to constrict and reduce the flow of blood to the heart. It is believed that stress causes blood to become stickier. This increases the chances of blood clot formation. Stress can also alter the heart rhythms. In women, stress may deplete estrogen levels.
Lungs:
While stressed, breathing becomes more rapid and the lungs inhale more oxygen than what is required.
Intestines:
Since the brain and the digestive system are closely related, stress can damage the digestive system by irritating the large intestine.
Mouth, throat & skin:
Stress diverts fluids from the mouth (a nonessential area). When the mouth goes dry, one finds it difficult to talk. Stress often causes spasms of the throat muscles, making it difficult to swallow. When the blood is diverted to supports the heart and the muscles, and leads to a sweaty skin. The scalp will most likely tighten making the hairs stand on edge.
These are some of the well known biological effects of stress. However one needs to understand the fact that this list is endless and that unless a person takes care of his health and manage stress in a proper manner he or she will not be able to get rid of stress. There are lots of factors which cause stress. There are lots of treatments available to treat these problems nowadays.
