Can stress trigger diseases?

The definition of stress is the non-specific reaction of the body to any pressures placed on it. Every day, in all walks of life, we encounter stress. As much as individuals desire a stress-free existence, it is impossible to attain. Stress is an integral component of our lives. Unfortunately, stress can lead to major chronic diseases if left untreated. So, what actually occurs when an individual encounters chronic stress?

In an attempt to cope with stress, our body undergoes several modifications. Let us investigate the body’s functions. When a portion of the body encounters stress, that part of the body sends a message to the brain via the nerves. The signal then flows via the reticular activating system en route to or from the limbic system or thalamus. The limbic system functions as a repository for our emotions, while the thalamus acts as a switch or trigger to choose what to do with incoming signals supplied by the body. Thus, by stimulating the hypothalamus, the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system are stimulated.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system is activated in reaction to a stressor, which is another way the brain responds to stress (HPA system). The HPA stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids, or steroid hormones, including the major stress hormone b>crotisol/b>. This hormone is essential for coordinating the rapid response of the body’s systems to stress. When the body responds to stress, it generates certain byproducts. If these stress-related byproducts are not dealt with in a constructive manner, they might lead to all-out physiological responses including illness and disease.

Lets us consider certain ailments and disorders. The mind renders the body prone to several ailments. These conditions are referred to as b>psychosomatic/b> illnesses (psyche means mind; soma means body). Let’s clarify this notion with an illustration: Jenny is a 45-year-old lady. Her husband’s passing left her despondent. Jenny found it difficult to come to terms with her husband’s unexpected passing because he was a lovely individual. A feeling of powerlessness overcame her. People were not shocked by Jenny’s death barely one year after her husband’s passing, as she was now accompanied only by loneliness. Jenny’s death was officially attributed to a heart attack, but her friends referred to it as a “broken heart.”

You may know a few folks like Jenny, who died or were chronically unwell from severe stress while having almost no medical ailments. How often do we tell others, “It’s all in your head”? Jenny’s situation was not all mental. These disorders are known as b>psychogenic/b> diseases, and they occur when excessive emotional stress leads to physical illness. In psychogenic disorders, there is no disease-causing virus or microorganism invasion; rather, the mind alters the physiology to the point where it breaks down. On the other side, a somatogenic disease, such as cancer, asthma, etc., occurs when the mind renders the body susceptible to disease-causing germs or natural degenerative processes. Various illnesses can be caused by stress. Consider a few particular circumstances. One of the most prevalent disorders brought on by stress is hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an excessive and harmful pressure of the blood on the arterial walls of blood vessels. If blood exerts an excessive amount of pressure on artery walls, it will burst. And the blood destined for a certain spot will not reach its destination. If the rupture occurs in the brain, cerebral bleeding may result. Since stress increases both blood pressure and serum cholesterol, the relationship between hypertension and stress has long been hypothesized. Typically, emotional stress is a key cause of hypertension. Medication can be used to manage hypertension, however, some medicines have undesirable side effects. These side effects of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and drunkenness are detrimental. In addition to medication and lifestyle changes, numerous stress management strategies such as learning how to relax, perceptual interventions, etc. are necessary to treat hypertension.

Apoplexy, often known as a stroke, is a shortage of oxygen to the brain caused by a rupture or blockage of one of the brain’s arteries. Depending on the location of the rupture, it may result in paralysis, speech problems, or even death. Stroke risk factors include hypertension, nutrition, and stress. Ulcers are another ailment caused by stress. Ulcers are wounds or fissures in the stomach wall; with persistent stress, norepinephrine secretion promotes constriction of the lining’s capillaries. This results in the cessation of mucosal formation, which serves as a protective barrier for the stomach lining. When the barrier in the stomach wall is compromised, hydrochloric acid degrades the tissue and occasionally even penetrates the blood vessel, resulting in a bleeding ulcer. However, it has been shown that there are other additional ulcer causes. However, stress can aggravate degenerative problems and increase the likelihood of developing ulcers. It can also serve as a catalyst in the stomach’s creation of hydrochloric acid.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another painful condition triggered by stress. It is the swelling and inflammation of multiple joints that, if allowed to progress, can be quite painful. A healthy joint possesses a synovial membrane. In Rheumatoid arthritis, this membrane generates abundant fluids that lubricate the joints. These fluids result in joint swelling. If the development continues, these fluids will permeate the bone, as there is nowhere else for the fluids to expand besides the bone. In the last stage, it may damage the scar tissue that immobilizes the bone, leading to deformity. Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis is caused by rheumatoid factors, which are inherited factors. Chronic stress exacerbates the development of inflammatory arthritis, particularly in those who are susceptible. As stated previously, ignoring stress can have a variety of harmful effects. To mention a few, cancer, backache, TMJ syndrome, asthma, high fever, tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cardiovascular illnesses.

Every individual’s life must be guided by a healthy amount of stress. Therefore, instead of going where life takes you, take life where you are going.