Can stress symptoms lower immunity? How to treat?

by Abdullah Arif · June 16, 2024

The most famous symptoms of stress are irritability and mood swings that can occur due to difficult times. However, these problems are just the tip of the iceberg. ¹

Stress disorder is a condition that leaves the brain in a constant state of alert, a condition that demands a lot of energy and alters the standard functioning of the body. In these cases, the body prepares to face life or death scenarios that never come. ^two

As a result, it is possible to notice a series of problems, both physical and mental. It is common to experience a variety of psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, low productivity, tiredness and frequent viruses. ¹

In this post, we will show how stress symptoms impact routine and well-being, capable of even damaging the functioning of the immune system, causing flu, colds and other infections to become stronger and more recurrent.

Keep reading!

What is stress?

Stress disorder is a dysfunction of the human body, caused by a traumatic event or excessive pressure in daily routine. In these cases, the person lives worried, distressed and in a state of alert, a potentially disabling situation, as it causes extreme wear and tear on the body and mind. ³

In practice, stress comes from a natural reaction of the body when we face a dangerous situation, linked to the human being’s survival instinct. The condition provokes the body’s alert and protective mechanisms, altering the physical and mental state. ³

Thus, the body modifies the state of attention, cardiorespiratory activity and energy metabolism, to activate the flight or fight mechanism as soon as it perceives any sign of danger. ³

However, when the condition lasts for long periods and does not come from real causes, it causes enormous wear and tear on the body, impairing sleep, socialization, productivity and health maintenance. ³

Types of stress

Stress disorder is a medical condition that can be classified according to the agent causing the problem and the way it affects each person, as well as the duration and intensity of symptoms. Thus, stress can be acute, post-traumatic or chronic. ³

Acute and post-traumatic stress

An acute condition is caused by impactful events and traumas, situations that cause a spike in adrenaline, worry and sadness, such as learning about the death of a loved one, receiving bad news, such as a diagnosis of illness, being fired or similar cases. ³

Under these conditions, the disorder is intense, but temporary. Acute stress crises generally last less than 30 days. If symptoms persist for longer, the most likely diagnosis is post-traumatic stress, in which the person mentally relives the event and avoids everyday situations, for fear that the episode will repeat itself. ³

Chronic stress

On the other hand, it is also important to highlight chronic stress disorder, which occurs when a person constantly suffers from worry, social pressure and lack of leisure. It is common for those who are in debt, receive a lot of demands at home or at work and have little time to relax and take care of themselves. ³

Symptoms of chronic stress manifest themselves in the body and mind. In general, they are not as intense as in cases involving trauma. However, the condition can persist for months or even years, greatly compromising the person’s quality of life. ³

What are the symptoms of stress?

Stress symptoms affect all systems that make up the human body. The impact goes far beyond the emotional, and can be seen in cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, metabolic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous and even reproductive activities. ¹

Next, we will highlight and comment on the main complaints of those who suffer from this disorder, to understand what is behind this discomfort and the real damage that the condition is capable of causing, to health and daily life.

Irritability

Irritability is one of the most characteristic symptoms of stress. ^two

This condition is related to the changes that the disorder causes in the nervous system, indicating a possible threat to the person’s life or well-being, due to the high levels of adrenaline and cortisol secreted by the brain, hormones that control the instinctive survival reaction. ¹

In these cases, the person becomes irritated by anything, as they are in a full state of alert and, possibly, perceive everything around them as a potential threat, responding abruptly or withdrawn to any external stimulus, even if it is a simple comment from a friend. a co-worker or a display of affection from your partner. ³

Anxiety

Also due to the constant state of alert, caused by the action of stress on the nervous system, you can also become quite anxious when you are in a moment of crisis. ^two

This symptom appears because you are always worried and anticipating an unpleasant situation or adverse outcome in your daily life, believing that the worst is about to happen and that you will have to react promptly when a negative event occurs. ^two

Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom of stress that can affect both the body and the mind, due to the wear and tear that a prolonged state of alert causes on the nervous and muscular systems. ¹

To remain ready to react in the event of a threat, the brain does not rest and keeps its muscles tense. ¹

Consequently, when this situation persists for extended periods, it is common to feel tired and unwell, due to the expenditure of energy and natural wear and tear caused by intense metabolic activity. ¹

Difficulty concentrating

Despite the high state of attention and alertness, the ability to concentrate is impaired, as it is considered secondary or unnecessary for the survival and preservation of the individual’s well-being. ¹

Those who suffer disorders of this type, especially during stress crises, tend to experience a drop in productivity, taking longer than normal to perform certain tasks. ¹

Another important point is that the quality of work can worsen, as the person is unable to pay due attention to what has been requested, has difficulty accessing their own memories and using these experiences in their daily lives and suffers great indisposition, unable to commit themselves. ¹

Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are extremely common in those suffering from stress disorders and are linked to feelings of fatigue, irritability, low immunity and a drop in productivity caused by conditions of this nature. ^two

With the mind and body in a permanent state of alert and tension, it is impossible to relax and have a peaceful and restorative night’s sleep, as is ideal. ^two

Initially, the problem delays the beginning of rest, that is, the person can only sleep hours after going to bed, consequently, the time for rest becomes shorter, which, in turn, prevents the person from reaching eight o’clock. recommended hours of sleep to maintain your well-being. ⁴

Furthermore, people who are stressed are generally not able to sleep soundly. Sleep becomes light and restless, waking up several times throughout the night, with or without external stimuli, such as noises in the street, for example. ⁴

When you sleep little and don’t rest at night, you will probably also suffer from excessive drowsiness during the day, which also affects productivity, focus and energy reserves to carry out daily tasks. ⁴

Mood changes

Just like irritability, sudden mood swings are also well-known symptoms of stress. Similar to what happens in bipolar disorder, the person is unable to adequately process emotions and external stimuli, which creates emotional imbalance. ^two

Under these conditions, it is difficult to remain stable and in a good mood. Feelings of sadness, anguish, worry, irritation and discomfort take over and largely affect the person’s temperament and character throughout the day. ^two

Headaches

Intense brain activity produces constant stimuli and excessive sending of electrical signals between areas of the nervous system, reaching a state of exhaustion that may require a reaction from the immune system, leading to inflammation and, consequently, headache attacks (migraine). ). ^two

The symptom is also related to a state of extreme muscle tension, which can spread discomfort to other areas of the body. ^two

In situations like this, it is also common to experience increased sensory sensitivity. Sound, visual stimuli, especially strong and flashing lights, olfactory and tactile stimuli can cause more discomfort and make the headache more intense. ^two

Less common stress symptoms

As mentioned, stress symptoms can affect all systems that make up the human body. In addition to the most frequent complaints, presented in the previous topics, it is also worth highlighting rarer signs, which may be related to this disorder. They are ^{1 2} :

reflux;
heartburn;
nausea;
vomiting;
recurrent diarrhea;
feeling of abdominal bloating;
muscle tension;
torticollis;
joint pain;
palpitation or tachycardia;
loss or excess of appetite;
feeling of overload;
loss of libido;
apathy;
memory problems;
compulsive behaviors.

In general, these problems occur because the biological functions that coordinate the different areas of the organism are in the background, while the brain maintains alertness and the body’s activity in survival mode.

What are the phases of stress?

The evolution of stress symptoms occurs in three main phases: alertness, resistance and exhaustion. Each of them brings together discomforts associated with the event that caused the disorder and the body’s reaction to deal with the possibility of threat. ³

1. Alert phase

The alert phase is the one that happens as soon as you have contact with the trauma or cause of stress throughout your routine. Metabolic activity is accelerated and the body activates survival mechanisms to react promptly, if necessary. ³

At this stage, possible symptoms are ³ :

cold hands and feet;
dryness in the mouth;
abdominal or stomach pain;
tension, especially in the neck and shoulders;
tense and painful jaw;
acceleration of heartbeat;
short, labored breathing;
increased blood pressure;
agitation;
compulsive behaviors, such as biting nails, grinding your teeth or moving your leg.

In short, it is the most active phase of symptoms, in which the body suffers from the organism’s dysfunctional reactions to the event or stressor. ³

2. Resistance phase

In the resistance phase, we are trying to regain balance by solving the problem or adapting to it. However, biological systems have already been affected and are beginning to show the damage caused by the disorder. ³

Among the most common complaints during the stress resistance phase, we can highlight ³ :

memory loss;
tingling sensation in the hands and feet;
fatigue and indisposition;
apathy;
physical and mental exhaustion;
changes in appetite;
skin problems;
gastrointestinal discomfort;
emotional imbalance;
excessive irritation;
decreased sexual desire.

3. Exhaustion phase

The exhaustion phase is linked to the long-term damage caused by stress, when physical and mental well-being is compromised, requiring more specific care to deal with the disorder, which has possibly already become chronic, as well as the secondary and health problems generated by it. ³

The symptoms of the exhaustion phase are ³ :

diarrhea frequently;
loss of libido and impotence;
rashes and chronic skin problems;
episodes of dizziness and labyrinthitis;
lack of humor;
discouragement;
emotional lack of control;
low productivity;
inability to perform routine tasks;
excessive worry;
nightmares about the trauma or reason for stress;
anguish;
obsessive-compulsive behavior.

What is the most dangerous phase of stress?

All phases of stress present risks and dangers to health, but it is worth pointing out that, upon reaching the exhaustion stage, the impact of the disorder on the maintenance and functioning of the body has already reached alarming levels, capable of generating more serious complications and sequelae. long-term, both for physical and psychological well-being. ³

In any case, it is essential to pay attention to what you are feeling, ensuring that your body and mind are in harmony. Otherwise, stress can cause serious health problems, far beyond emotional imbalance, which in itself deserves attention and appropriate treatment. ³

What can constant stress do to the body over time?

Without receiving adequate attention, stress symptoms can reach a chronic stage, prolonging the damage to the body for months or even years. In these cases, the constant state of alert and the wear and tear caused by the disorder can cause several more serious complications, as we will see below. ¹

Digestive problems

Stress can alter appetite, making people eat irregularly, eating little, preferring ultra-processed foods with low nutritional value or acting compulsively, eating more than necessary. ¹

These conditions can already trigger problems with the digestive system, but they are not the only complications of this type for stress disorders. In addition to these, ² may occur :

gastroesophageal reflux;
gastritis;
imbalance of intestinal flora;
problems absorbing nutrients;
heartburn;
irritable bowel syndrome;
colic;
diarrhea;
eating disorders.

With the change in metabolism, the activity of the gastrointestinal tract is placed in the background. Without adequate maintenance, the body loses its ability to function properly. ¹

Thus, in addition to general malaise, there is a severe reduction in the use of the nutritional value of food, as the body is unable to break down the molecules and absorb essential vitamins and minerals during digestion. ¹

Even more care is needed when the traumatic condition leads to binge eating, favoring disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, which further compromise the patient’s quality of life and health. ³

Sleep disorders

Loss of sleep quality is one of the most common symptoms of stress. The mind and body remain on constant alert. Therefore, it is not possible to relax and sleep peacefully all night, as any stimulus can trigger awakening. ^two

As mentioned, delaying the onset of rest completely alters the sleep-wake cycle. Due to work and other daily responsibilities, we always have to wake up at the same time. Therefore, when it takes us a while to fall asleep, rest time is drastically reduced. ⁴

Consequently, the day after a bad night’s sleep, the chances of suffering from excessive drowsiness, tiredness and difficulty concentrating increase. In rare cases, narcolepsy may even develop, a condition that causes a person to sleep suddenly and uncontrollably. ⁴

Musculoskeletal problems

Persistent tension associated with chronic stress can cause long-term damage to the musculoskeletal system. Those who suffer from this problem may experience chronic pain throughout the body, especially in the joints, arms, legs, shoulders and neck. ¹

Tense and compressed muscles can atrophy, causing knots, inflammation and many other painful conditions. On certain occasions, stress can be associated with fibromyalgia, tension migraines and a higher incidence of injuries. ¹

Psychological disorders

Stress disorder can be an aggravating factor for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The hormonal balance of the nervous system is harmed by the permanent state of alert, generating worry, anguish, sadness and emotional hypersensitivity. ^two

When experiencing trauma or even a high-pressure routine, the mental exhaustion is equivalent to the physical. It is common to lose control and balance of feelings and emotions, anticipating threats and negative situations, even when there is minimal risk of them becoming reality. ^two

Psychological treatment is highly recommended for dealing with acute and chronic stress crises, helping to prevent additional disorders. ^two

Cardiovascular problems

The health of the cardiovascular system suffers greatly from stress, as the disorder accelerates the heartbeat, raises blood pressure and increases the flow of blood and oxygen through the body, to trigger the survival mechanism and the flight or fight instinct, which is essential. for risk situations. ¹

As stress is a dysfunctional condition, which normally does not present an immediate threat to well-being, all this activity unnecessarily generates exhaustion and wear and tear on the cardiac, vascular and respiratory systems. ¹

Therefore, there is a greater chance of developing chronic and acute problems in these areas, mainly hypertension, arrhythmia, tachycardia, heart attack, stroke and respiratory failure. ¹

Weight gain

In some cases, stress can trigger compulsive behaviors. Under these conditions, excess appetite increases calorie intake, eventually causing excessive weight gain. ¹

The risk is greater when meals have low nutritional value, prioritizing fatty and ultra-processed foods, which are more difficult to digest and can raise cholesterol, cause clogging of the arteries and generate other unpleasant conditions. ¹

Immune problems

Stress disorder can greatly impair the body’s ability to fight pathogens and infections. ⁵

Maintaining high immunity depends on the regular intake of essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to good metabolic functioning and quality sleep, which helps to regenerate damaged tissues and produce defense cells and antibodies. ⁵

It is very common to notice an increase in the frequency of flu, colds and other similar infections when experiencing stress, depression, anxiety and insomnia, as these conditions severely impact the immune system. ⁵

How to control your stress level?

It is practically impossible to completely prevent the experience of trauma and stressful situations. However, we can perfectly control how these events impact our well-being, managing the level of stress so that it remains in functional condition. ¹

For this, ^{1 2 3} is recommended :

maintain a support network, with friends and family, to help deal with traumatic scenarios and a boring routine;
practice physical activities regularly, to move the body, relieve tension and strengthen the body;
prioritize a nutritious and healthy diet, accommodating all food groups, essential vitamins and minerals;
drink plenty of water, at least two liters per day;
invest in leisure and relaxation activities, to stop stress crises and promote your well-being;
take care of your nighttime routine, practicing sleep hygiene to be able to sleep well, for at least eight hours, every night;
undergo appropriate therapy or psychological treatment to deal with traumatic and stressful events;
practice self-care and full attention to your physical and emotional health.

Conclusion

Symptoms of stress can appear little by little or suddenly, impacting different areas of your life, damaging your physical and emotional health. It is necessary to pay attention to warning signs and practice self-care, preventing the situation from getting worse. ¹

Now that you know the main threats and risks associated with the disorder, it is very important to take measures to reduce the pressure and tension of everyday life. Try to balance these negative events, over which you have no control, with situations that depend solely on you, such as practicing relaxing and pleasurable activities throughout your routine. ¹

Don’t forget to count on your support network to deal with the situation. Asking for help in these moments should not be seen as a sign of weakness, it is the most realistic way to recognize your difficulties and regain the strength to overcome this scenario. ^two

With that, let’s leave it at that. We hope you liked the post. If you found the information useful, share it with your friends and family. To the next!

Can stress symptoms lower immunity? How to treat?

What is stress?