Physical Signs and Symptoms of Stress

1. Diversion of the Blood from Less Vital to More Vital Organs
   Blood is diverted from less vital structures like skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, spleen, bone and muscle to more vital organs like brain, heart and adrenals. This is called 'Diving reflex' though the term is mostly used in the context of newborns. The effects of this reflex are
   • The skin becomes cold and clammy with gooseflesh standing out.
   • There is frequent passing of stools -the Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
   • Existing Peptic Ulcer aggravates.
   • There is loss of appetite.
   • There is severe muscular pain, especially muscles of posture causing back pain and neck pain.
   • Dryness of throat and hence difficulty in speaking and swallowing.
2. Increase in the Heart Rate to Supply More Blood Quickly
   The normal heart rate in adults is 100 beats per minute supplying about 5 liters of blood. To provide more nutrient to the body the heart rate increases. There is associated dilatation of the blood vessels also. These result in
   • Palpitation
   • Chest pain
   • Flushing and feeling of warmth.
3. Increase in the Blood Pressure to Supply Blood Efficiently
   To supply the increased cardiac output efficiently, the blood pressure increases which result in
   • Head ache.
   • Precipitation of heart attack along with collection of fluids in the lungs in a heart patient.
4. Increase in the Respiratory Rate to get More Oxygen from the Atmosphere
   As more oxygen is needed during stress, body tries to increase the respiratory rate to trap more oxygen from atmosphere. This cause
   • Breathlessness
   • Respiratory alkalosis - an acid base disturbance in blood
5. Mobilization of Energy StoresAs body needs more energy during stress, extra amount of glucose is mobilized to for that purpose. Glucose is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle. The hormone cortisol breaks down glycogen into glucose. This cause

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   • Depletion of energy stores
   • Hyperglycemia - increased blood glucose levels.
   • Increased viscosity of blood and so more chances of vessel block.
6. Depletion of Proteins and Fats
   The hormone cortisol converts non carbohydrate substrates like protein and fat into glucose which results in
   • Weight loss
7. Other Symptoms
   • Suppression of immunity resulting in infection
   • Over reaction of immune system resulting in flare ups of Asthma, Psoriasis, Arthritis, Lupus and Urticaria.
   • Increased appetite leading to weight gain.
   • Sleeplessness
   • Loss of sexual drive
   • Memory disturbances.

Psychological Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Outbursts of anger
• Head ache
• Irritability
• Dependence on alcohol
• Lack of concentration

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Weight loss
• Substance abuse
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Allergic disorders like Asthma and eczema.
• Irritable Bowel Disease
• Ischemic Bowel Disease like Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

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