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Stress is a very common health problem in the U.S. Whenever you become stressed, any sickness that you may have become worse. Medically, when you're stressed, your antibodies (the white cells that defend your body) become ready for action, and when stress last longer they grow weary and become weaker. It can also causes uncertain changes in the chemicals that make up your defense system, your immune system also gets weaker as stress level escalates (become higher).
Not only is the immune system affected but also the nervous system, endocrine system, and the neurological systems also get affected by stress. Psychologists believe that the situation does not make you stressed, but your interpretation of the situation makes you stress. Mental therapy and psychological counseling can help reduce stress levels.
When stressed, some people rub and blow their nose harder than usual. This may cause irritation in the nose area, thus opening the door for sinus inflammation. Your body tends to overreact when you're stressed by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Repeated bouts of stress may impair your immune system, leaving your body susceptible to many infectious attacks, including upper respiratory infections.
Various irritants may cause sinusitis. Besides allergens and other common irritants, certain conditions that exist within your body may increase your susceptibility to sinus inflammation. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) argue that repeated bouts of stress may result in swelling of the nasal membrane. Click here to view the symptoms of stress.
What can I do with my stress...?
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...There's no practical way of eliminating stress but certain measures can be taken to reduce its multitudinous. If you find it hard to cope with your stress level, you can do the following:
- Treat the underlying infections and allergies
- Start a healthy exercise program (preferably aerobics)
- Get adequate rest in a quiet place
- Have a body massage
- Change your lifestyle habits e.g. go shopping or try to swim in the pool
- Do everything in a relaxed pace (walking, eating, working etc.)
- Take a short break after meals to relax.
- Do flexibility exercises (stretch gently and relax any tense areas)
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing.
- Walk about the neighborhood
- Go to the cinema
- Play with kids
- Take a hot bath or shower
Note that some of the measures listed above may aggravate stress level on certain people. For instance, playing with kids may be stressful if done wholeheartedly. Find whatever you think is best for you, and then do it with less commitment.
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