Symptoms of stress that last long or are very intense can have an impact on our health and the state of our whole body. Living in constant nervous tension can cause serious illnesses that sometimes worsen after the stress situation has passed. Heart attack, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, alopecia – these are some of the undesirable symptoms of long-term stress.
Symptom of chronic stress: headaches
Headaches are a result of excessive and prolonged tension, muscle contraction caused by adrenaline and nervous system stimulation. The pulsating pain appears already in a stressful situation, gradually increasing and covering the entire head. Patients feel as if a tightening hoop had been put on their head. This can be accompanied by stiff neck, photophobia, or sensitivity to noise. Tension pain is usually not too strong. It lasts a few minutes and is repeated several times a day or lasts for several weeks. Then we feel as if our scalp hurts. Chronic pain lasts for months and years.
Symptom of chronic stress: heart and circulatory system diseases
Under the influence of cortisol and adrenaline, sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers tone increases, affecting the function of the heart and peripheral vessels. Sympathetic fiber stimulation accelerates heart rate up to 3 times, while parasympathetic fibers slow it down. This leads to palpitations, arrhythmias, and even heart failure. Stress hormones are also responsible for increasing the level of the inflammatory marker, i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP), which promotes cardiovascular disease, from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques to a heart attack. High levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone support high blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack and stroke.
Symptom of chronic stress: digestive problems
Due to emotional tension, the autonomic nervous system is disturbed. It sends orders that disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, even if it is correctly assembled and functioning correctly, i.e., digestion and absorption proceed normally. Rumbling and painful pains in various parts of the abdomen, bloating, a feeling of fullness, diarrhea, or constipation can be symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (disruption of stool). Heartburn (acid reflux disease) is often the result of abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus or stomach.
Symptom of chronic stress: mycosis of intimate parts
The development of mycosis is supported by a decrease in the body’s immunity and, at the same time, an excess of androgenic hormones. This leads to a disruption of the natural bacterial flora of the mucous membranes of the female organs and the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria.
Symptom of chronic stress: hair loss
Excess androgen hormones often cause hair loss in women. Strong stress can contribute to hair loss overnight.
Symptom of chronic stress: diabetes
Disruptions in the activity of neurons that regulate body weight and high levels of adrenaline, cortisol, and growth hormone responsible for increasing blood glucose levels and worsening its use by body cells promote the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Symptom of chronic stress: neck tension
Feeling of choking, difficulty swallowing, and a lump in the throat occur not only during periods of stress but also when the causes of nervousness are long gone. They are a result of muscle tension in the neck and larynx.