Impact of Stress and Disease on the Human Body

Full Answer Section

These changes are temporary and designed to help you deal with the immediate threat.

Long-Term (Chronic Stress): If stress persists, the body remains in a heightened state. This can lead to:

• Cardiovascular System: Chronically elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Immune System: Suppressed immune function makes you more susceptible to infections.
• Digestive System: Stress can worsen ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
• Other Systems: Chronic stress can also contribute to headaches, sleep problems, weight gain/loss, and sexual dysfunction.

Stress & Disease

Directly Causing Disease: Chronic stress isn't the sole cause of diseases, but it can be a contributing factor. For example:

• High blood pressure: Unmanaged stress can lead to chronic hypertension.
• Autoimmune diseases: Stress can exacerbate conditions like rheumatoid arthritis where the body attacks itself.
• Mental health conditions: Chronic stress can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Worsening Existing Conditions: Even if stress doesn't directly cause a disease, it can worsen existing conditions. For instance:

• Diabetes: Stress hormones can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.
• Asthma: Stress can trigger asthma attacks by constricting airways.
• Skin conditions: Stress can worsen eczema and psoriasis.

The Cycle of Stress and Disease

Stress and disease can create a vicious cycle. Here's how:

• Chronic illness: A chronic illness can be a significant stressor.
• Increased stress: This stress can worsen the symptoms of the illness.
• Worsened illness: The worsened illness can then lead to more stress, and the cycle continues.

For example, someone with chronic pain might experience increased stress due to the pain, which can then lead to muscle tension and worsen the pain.

Nursing Implications

Identifying Stress: Nurses can identify stress through:

• Patient interviews: Asking about stress levels, sleep patterns, and coping mechanisms.
• Physical assessment: Looking for signs like muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, or changes in appetite.

Managing Stress: Nurses can help patients manage stress by:

• Education: Teaching relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
• Encouraging healthy habits: Promoting good sleep hygiene, exercise, and a balanced diet.
• Connecting to resources: Referring patients to therapists or support groups for stress management.

By recognizing stress and implementing these strategies, nurses can improve their patients' overall well-being and potentially help them manage chronic conditions more effectively.

Sample Answer

Physiological Effects of Stress

Short-Term (Acute Stress): When faced with a stressor, the body activates the "fight-or-flight" response. This is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Here's what happens:

• Cardiovascular System: Heart rate and blood pressure increase to pump more blood and oxygen.
• Respiratory System: Breathing becomes faster and shallower to take in more oxygen.
• Musculoskeletal System: Muscles tense up to prepare for action.
• Digestive System: Digestion slows down to divert energy to more critical functions.