Ms. M., 42, comes after the work into the pharmacy. She looks exhausted, sleeps since weeks badly and has almost daily headaches. “My doctor says, physically there is at first nothing noticeable to see,” she tells. “But I feel constantly tense. Can stress really so much in the body trigger?” This question ask many people. Stress is not only “in the head.” It can the whole body influence – from heart and circulation over the stomach to sleep, mood and immune system.

In the USA is stress a widespread health topic. According to surveys of the American Psychological Association report many adults regularly of stress-related complaints like fatigue, sleep problems, irritability or physical symptoms. Chronic stress is although no independent diagnosis, can but the well-being significantly impair and existing diseases worsen. The good news: Who the connections understands, can often early counteract.

What happens in the body when we have stress?

Stress is first a normal reaction of the body. In a burdening situation activates the nervous system the so-called “fight-or-flight” response. There are stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol discharged. In the short term is that helpful: The pulse rises, the breathing becomes faster, the attention increases, and the body provides energy.

Problematic becomes it, when this alarm readiness no longer properly decreases. Then one speaks of persistent or chronic stress. The body remains longer in a state of increased tension. That can many functions influence, for example the blood pressure, the blood sugar, the digestion, the sleep and the immune defense. Some people feel especially inner unrest, others rather physical complaints.

Important is: Stress reactions are real. They are not imagined and mean also not automatically, that a serious disease is present. Nevertheless should new, strong or persistent complaints always medically clarified be.

What physical complaints can stress trigger or strengthen?

Stress shows itself often there, where the body anyhow sensitive is. Frequent complaints are:

• Headaches or neck tension
• Sleep problems and not refreshing sleep
• Stomach complaints, nausea, heartburn or irritable bowel symptoms
• Palpitations, fast pulse or the feeling of inner drive
• Fatigue and concentration problems
• Muscle tension and diffuse pains
• Changes in appetite or weight

Furthermore can chronic stress existing diseases influence. At people with high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, migraine or skin diseases like eczema can stress attacks or a worse control promote. Also the immune system can suffer therefrom. Some people become in stressful times more often ill or need longer, to recover.

Stress alone explains however not every complaint. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, neurological failures, blood in stool or suddenly very strong pains should always immediately medically evaluated be.

How are stress, mental health and physical symptoms connected?

Body and psyche work closely together. If someone long under pressure stands, worries has or feels emotionally overwhelmed, can that the perception of pains, fatigue and other symptoms strengthen. Conversely can permanent physical complaints in turn stress, anxiety or depression promote. Thus a cycle easily arises. Consultez aussi : Neurontin 600mg :.

This does not mean, that complaints are “only psychological.” Rather influence each other brain, hormones, nervous system and organs mutually. Therefore it is often sensible, both physical as well as mental burdens in view to keep. Especially with sleep problems, recurring pains, palpitations or stomach complaints it is worthwhile, to ask after everyday stress, overload, conflicts or missing recovery phases.

In the USA experience many adults additionally stress through work, financial burdens, care of relatives or social uncertainties. These factors can the health directly and indirectly burden – for example through less sleep, irregular eating, more alcohol, less movement or the forgetting of medications.

How do I know that stress becomes unhealthy?

Not each stressful day is a problem. Warning signs are rather patterns, that over weeks last or increase. These include:

• constant tension or the feeling, never switch off to be able
• sleep disorders on several days per week
• frequent irritability, overload or inner unrest
• increasing head, stomach or muscle pains
• concentration problems and performance drops
• more alcohol, nicotine or uncontrolled eating as coping strategy
• neglecting medications, doctor’s appointments or self-care

If stress the everyday life, the work, relationships or the treatment of a chronic disease impairs, should one take that serious. Also mood lows, hopelessness or strong anxiety are signals, where professional support important is.

What helps in everyday life against stress – and what is realistic?

Many people search for a quick solution, but often help rather small, consistent steps. Already few changes can the stress level measurable lower. Especially important are regular sleep, movement and breaks, that really refresh.

Helpful strategies can be:

• fixed bedtimes and as little screen time as possible shortly before going to bed
• daily movement, for example 20 to 30 minutes walking
• simple breathing exercises or short relaxation phases in everyday life
• regular meals and enough drinking
• conscious limitation of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
• realistic to-do lists and small priorities instead of perfectionism
• conversations with trusted people, to not carry burdens alone

Also short measures can make sense. Several times a day for a minute slower breathe, shoulders loosen or the mobile phone put away, sounds unspectacular – can but the nervous system help, out of the permanent alarm to come. Who likes, can mindfulness, yoga, prayer, journaling or structured relaxation techniques try. Not each method fits every person. Decisive is, what in the own everyday life really implementable is.

When should I seek medical help?

If complaints new are, worsen or the everyday life clearly restrict, a medical clarification is sensible. That applies particularly at persistent sleep problems, frequent palpitations, stomach complaints, strong headaches or when already chronic diseases exist. Physicians can check, whether other causes are present, and together with you decide, which treatment or support makes sense.

With psychological burden one should also not wait, until “nothing works anymore.” Support through family doctor practice, psychotherapy or other specialized services can help, to break stress patterns early. At acute complaints like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, paralysis symptoms or suicidal thoughts immediate help is necessary.

What role can the pharmacy play?

The pharmacy is often one of the first points of contact, when people suffer under stress-related complaints. Pharmacists can assess, when self-treatment is possible and when a medical clarification becomes important. That is particularly helpful at sleep problems, tension headaches, digestive complaints or questions about over-the-counter products. Sur le même sujet : Cialis 20mg : 0,62€/comprimé.

Furthermore can they check, whether medications contribute to restlessness, sleep problems or palpitations. Some over-the-counter preparations, including certain cold remedies, stimulants or high caffeine amounts, can stress symptoms strengthen. Also interactions are a topic. Who already takes medicines against high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or anxiety disorders, should new products not simply additionally start.

Many pharmacies in the USA offer additional pharmaceutical services, for example medication analyses, blood pressure measurements, vaccinations or advice on therapy adherence. Especially under stress become medications easily confused. A structured consultation can help, to regain the overview and to continue the treatment safely.

What are the most important steps for everyday life?

Stress belongs to life, but it should not permanently determine the health. Who recurring complaints notices, may take these serious, without to panic. Often it is helpful, a moment to pause and to ask: What burdens me just, how reacts my body to it, and which small steps can I today change?

• Take physical and mental warning signals serious.
• Let new or persistent complaints medically clarify.
• Improve sleep, movement and regular meals step by step.
• Reduce, if possible, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at strong tension.
• Talk with doctor’s office or pharmacy, if medications, side effects or interactions are unclear.
• Get support, before stress determines your everyday life completely.

A calmer nervous system arises rarely overnight. But already small, reliable changes can much achieve – for the head and for the whole body.

This information serves only general purposes and replaces no professional medical advice.