Bezpłatny fragment - HOW TO COPE WITH DRYNESS OF THE THROAT AND LARYNX?

Ewa Danuta Bialek©. All rights reserved.

This book is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without the prior written permission of the Author and/or Publisher.

The purpose of this guide is not to diagnose any medical condition or to recommend treatment for a specific disease. Rather, it reflects the author’s lifelong exploration of scientific research and clinical knowledge, together with her personal experience of seeking to better understand the functioning of the human body — both her own and that of others, including many physicians who have sought ways to improve their own health and that of their families.

The views and observations presented in this guide represent the professional opinions of the author, based on more than fifty years of scientific study, clinical practice, and personal experience. Throughout these years, her work has focused on identifying evidence-informed approaches that may support health while remaining faithful to the Hippocratic principle, First, do no harm. This philosophy has also guided her broader vision of developing a model of education for the future — one that promotes the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and society.

This book offers information solely for educational purposes. The book does not intend to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should consult appropriately licensed healthcare professionals about their individual medical needs and make healthcare decisions in partnership with qualified practitioners.

Introduction

Autoimmune diseases have become one of the major health challenges of modern times, manifesting in a wide variety of forms and clinical presentations. An immunologist most often oversees their management; however, because these disorders affect multiple organ systems, effective care usually requires collaboration among numerous specialists, including rheumatologists (joint diseases), dermatologists (skin disorders such as psoriasis), endocrinologists (thyroid diseases), diabetologists (diabetes), gastroenterologists (digestive disorders), nephrologists (kidney diseases), pulmonologists, ophthalmologists, and others. Unfortunately, coordination between these specialists is often limited, leaving patients to navigate multiple consultations on their own.

My journey into immunology began more than forty-five years ago while I was working as a research scientist and searching for an explanation for the health problems that had accompanied me since early childhood. Those problems originated in traumatic experiences and prolonged stress, the consequences of which gradually emerged over the years as multi-system disorders. The first diagnosed condition was peptic ulcer disease affecting both the stomach and the duodenum. A gastroscopic examination performed at that time revealed hemorrhagic lesions within the visible portion of the gastrointestinal mucosa. That experience inspired me to investigate the local immune system of the mucous membranes, focusing on secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). This subject ultimately became the foundation of my doctoral dissertation. I will return to this topic in the following chapter because it has remained central to my understanding of health and disease.

Just as the skin protects the external surface of the body, mucous membranes line and protect its internal cavities. In my earlier book, Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, I discussed their structure and function in detail.

In this book, however, I would like to focus specifically on the mucous membranes of the throat and larynx, the problems associated with their chronic dryness, and their relationship to autoimmune diseases. At the same time, I will discuss environmental factors that may aggravate these symptoms and reduce quality of life. As will become clear throughout the following chapters, it is impossible to consider these tissues in isolation. They interact continuously with the rest of the body, and the body, in turn, influences their condition. Consequently, neither treatment nor understanding can be limited solely to the throat or larynx, because the condition of these tissues often reflects processes occurring throughout the entire organism.

The complexity of these conditions also means that they rarely fall entirely within the expertise of a single medical specialty. They frequently require input from several specialists working together. In reality, however, patients usually consult only one physician, who may recommend symptomatic measures such as throat rinses, lozenges, or moisturizing preparations. While these approaches may provide temporary relief, their effects often last only a few minutes. Moreover, many over-the-counter lozenges contain sucrose or artificial sweeteners, potentially increasing the long-term risk of dental caries.

Persistent dryness of the oral cavity and throat is far more than a minor inconvenience. It often begins with a tickling sensation in the throat, triggering repeated throat clearing or coughing. The mechanical irritation caused by frequent coughing stimulates the production of small amounts of mucus which, when combined with already dry and inflamed mucous membranes, creates an ongoing urge to clear the throat. This vicious cycle may eventually involve neighboring mucosal surfaces, including those of the nasal passages, leading to watery nasal discharge resembling an allergic reaction. Beyond these local effects, chronic irritation may contribute to broader respiratory problems. Bronchiectasis, for example, can further complicate the clinical picture. This condition transforms what initially appears to be a localized complaint into a systemic challenge. In such circumstances, a persistent cough may reflect not only disorders of the respiratory tract but also disturbances involving the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, and other interconnected body systems.

These are among the issues explored in this book, together with practical strategies that may help patients manage chronic symptoms in everyday life.

This publication does not address acute bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections of the throat or upper respiratory tract. Instead, it focuses on chronic conditions, particularly those accompanying autoimmune diseases or other long-term disorders already managed by medical specialists. The book does not intend to provide treatment recommendations for acute infections. Appropriately qualified physicians should continue to care for patients with acute infections.

Dryness of the mouth and throat is generally regarded as a secondary symptom, and management usually relies on supportive products rather than prescription medications. These include numerous over-the-counter (OTC) preparations available in pharmacies without a prescription, as well as products sold through drugstores, specialized manufacturers” websites, and online marketplaces. Most of these products are classified as supportive care rather than medicinal drugs.

Online retail platforms often contain numerous user reviews describing real-life experiences with these products. Although such opinions cannot replace scientific evidence or professional medical advice, they may provide valuable insights into how individual patients perceive the effectiveness and tolerability of different preparations. When interpreted with appropriate caution, these experiences may complement information supplied by manufacturers.

As with any health-related product, honesty and transparency are essential. Patients deserve reliable information about both potential benefits and possible limitations because it is ultimately they who bear the consequences of using these products.

Pharmacies sell many over-the-counter preparations, and today’s market has a saturation of them. Independent consumer reviews available online may therefore help individuals make more informed decisions. History shows that manufacturers occasionally withdraw even approved pharmaceutical products due to defects or contamination. Consequently, both manufacturers and advertisers have an ethical responsibility to avoid overstating the effectiveness or safety of their products. If an individual experiences an unexpected adverse reaction after using any preparation, they should promptly report it through the appropriate pharmacovigilance or consumer safety channels.

Public awareness of potential adverse reactions remains relatively limited. Many people continue to assume that products available without a prescription cannot cause harm. In reality, every product that comes into contact with the human body — including household products, personal care items, foods, medications, and OTC preparations — may produce unwanted effects in susceptible individuals. For this reason, medicinal products, whether prescription or non-prescription, are accompanied by detailed patient information leaflets describing indications, contraindications, possible side effects, and procedures for reporting adverse events.

Every individual is biologically unique. People living with multiple chronic conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases, may respond unpredictably to substances that are well tolerated by others. Reactions may occur not only to the active ingredients but also to flavoring agents, preservatives, colorants, parabens, or other inactive components present in products such as eye drops or mouthwashes. In susceptible individuals, these substances may function as allergens or trigger adverse immune responses. I have discussed many of these issues in greater detail in my earlier book Health at Your Fingertips: Fighting for the Future and the Planet. During my academic career, I also supervised several graduate theses devoted to these important topics.

A personal story: understanding the secretory immune system

In the previous chapter, I mentioned my doctoral research on the local immune protection of mucous membranes. Looking back after many years, I now realize how profoundly this work contributed to my understanding of the health problems that continue to accompany me today. The following overview summarizes the key scientific concepts that shed light on the development of autoimmune diseases, in which immunoglobulin A (IgA), together with its secretory component forming secretory IgA (SIgA), plays an important role. I will also refer to the scientific studies that formed the basis for many of the clinical conclusions drawn several decades ago.

Scientific interest in the role of SIgA in the local protection of mucosal surfaces began during the 1960s, when its presence in external secretions was first demonstrated. Earlier reports published between the 1920s and the 1950s had already suggested that the gastrointestinal tract was capable of mounting a local immune response independent of the central humoral immune system. During the following fifteen years, particularly by the mid-1970s, a better understanding of the unique biological properties of SIgA led to the development of the concept of the secretory immune system (SIS), now recognized as part of the mucosal immune system, and provided important insights into the mechanisms governing mucosal immunity. In most external secretions, IgA is the predominant immunoglobulin, accounting for approximately 60–80% of all immunoglobulins present. Saliva, for example, contains both monomeric and dimeric IgA, together with the secretory component that forms secretory IgA (SIgA). In 1963, Tomasi and Zigelbaum were the first to propose that secretory IgA could be produced locally, while Shearman and colleagues demonstrated that approximately 80% of plasma cells within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are responsible for IgA production.

Secretory IgA is considered one of the key components of the human immune defense system. It is the predominant class of antibodies found in secretions covering mucosal surfaces. Large numbers of IgA-producing plasma cells are located within the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal and respiratory mucosa, from where SIgA is transported into the various body secretions.

The discovery that SIgA is produced locally in response to antigenic stimulation led directly to the concept of the secretory immune system. This first line of mucosal defense, with SIgA as its principal component, helps eliminate foreign antigens, including infectious microorganisms and dietary proteins. A deficiency of SIgA may weaken the protective barrier function of mucous membranes and contribute to the development of disorders affecting these tissues.

Importantly, IgA concentrations in external secretions do not necessarily correlate with IgA concentrations in the bloodstream. Consequently, localized deficiencies of SIgA may occur even when serum IgA levels remain within the normal range. According to the concept proposed by Glauser and colleagues, absent or deficient SIgA may predispose individuals to recurrent infections that can eventually lead to chronic respiratory disorders, including bronchiectasis.

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly during childhood, may result in atrophy of the intestinal villi. Because SIgA plays a central role in neutralizing antigens at the mucosal surface, its deficiency may allow these antigens to come into direct contact with antibodies of other immunoglobulin classes. This may promote hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune responses, including the production of antibodies directed against collagen, tissue antigens, or dietary proteins, potentially contributing to conditions such as cow’s milk allergy. SIgA deficiency is also frequently associated with various enteropathies, either as a contributing factor or as a consequence of intestinal disease.

SIgA deficiency may likewise increase susceptibility to gluten sensitivity in individuals with celiac disease.

In newborn infants, maturation of the secretory immune system begins during fetal development. Following a vaginal birth, exposure to the maternal microbiota is accompanied by the transfer of IgA through colostrum during the first feedings after delivery. This maternally derived IgA helps maintain adequate levels of immunoglobulin A within the infant’s gastrointestinal tract, providing an important form of mucosal protection during the transitional period before the infant’s own secretory immune system has fully matured.

Chronic inflammation

Many diseases are associated with inflammation. In many cases, the inflammatory process becomes chronic, lasting for years or even throughout a person’s lifetime. Autoimmune diseases belong to this group. They comprise a broad spectrum of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Depending on the source, between 80 and more than 200 conditions have been classified as autoimmune or immune-mediated disorders, with some classifications also including certain cancers. Common examples include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, psoriasis, allergic diseases, vitiligo, and Graves” disease. These conditions may affect virtually every organ system, including the thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract, skin, nervous system, joints, and adrenal glands.

People often underestimate or overlook inflammation, which allows it to persist without addressing its underlying causes. Some people attempt to manage symptoms using over-the-counter medications kept at home or even leftover antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Over time, persistent inflammation may contribute to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, mood changes, digestive complaints, and pain affecting the joints, muscles, or other parts of the body.

Unfortunately, access to medical care has become increasingly difficult in many healthcare systems. Delays of several months before seeing a primary care physician are no longer uncommon. As a result, medical assessment may come too late to treat conditions that initially could have been treated early, causing them to become chronic. By the time specialist consultations and diagnostic procedures are completed, months — or sometimes years — may have passed while the underlying disease has continued to progress.

Causes of chronic inflammation

Numerous factors can trigger or sustain inflammation. One potential contributor is severe psychological stress, including traumatic experiences, which may influence inflammatory pathways through complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

Inflammation is, in many respects, a normal part of everyday physiology. The body continuously produces metabolic waste products that require removal. At the same time, it is exposed to environmental pollutants, unhealthy dietary components, toxins, infectious agents, and oxidative stress, all of which may stimulate inflammatory responses. Even the continuous surveillance and elimination of abnormal cells by the immune system involves inflammatory mechanisms.

For many people, the word inflammation brings to mind infections such as sore throats or pneumonia. Indeed, acute inflammation is an essential protective response that helps eliminate pathogens and repair damaged tissues. It involves a highly coordinated cascade of biological events, including the release of cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and various hormones.

Problems arise when inflammation fails to resolve. Low-grade chronic inflammation may persist for months or years without producing obvious symptoms. It may be associated with persistent infections, recurrent microbial exposure, autoimmune disorders, oxidative stress, environmental chemicals, obesity, or other long-term health conditions.

Over time, chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, joints, cardiovascular system, brain, and nervous system. Ongoing research continues to identify additional conditions in which persistent inflammation may play an important role.

Today, chronic low-grade inflammation is considered one of the biological processes contributing to many chronic diseases as well as to accelerated ageing. Even relatively mild inflammation, when sustained over long periods, may alter normal immune regulation, promote the formation of immune complexes, and maintain continuous activation of the immune system. The resulting immune activity may contribute to a wide variety of symptoms and clinical manifestations.

Persistent inflammation is also recognized as an important contributor to chronic pain. Because it often develops slowly and silently, many individuals remain unaware of its presence until more significant health problems arise.

Chronic inflammation is regarded as one of the fundamental mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases. In these conditions, immune cells mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues, producing damage that may affect multiple organs. Growing evidence also suggests that, in some individuals, dietary factors may influence inflammatory activity and immune regulation.

The location and presentation of chronic inflammation vary considerably from one person to another. It may involve the intestines, sinuses, blood vessels, bursae, nasal mucosa, lungs, liver, thyroid gland, skin, joints, nervous system, heart, or other tissues. Because symptoms differ widely between individuals, identifying the underlying cause may be particularly challenging.

Chronic fatigue

Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep and rest is another possible indication that the body is coping with ongoing inflammation. Chronic fatigue is frequently reported by individuals living with inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, all of which may cause progressive tissue damage.

Some publications also discuss fibromyalgia within the context of chronic inflammatory or immune-related disorders, although its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Nineteen years ago, I recognized the symptoms of fibromyalgia in myself. I decided against treatment with corticosteroids and psychotropic medications and instead pursued a broader, individualized approach focused on addressing chronic stress and its long-term consequences. Within two years, my symptoms resolved, and they have not returned since. Based on my personal experience, I view fibromyalgia primarily as a condition strongly influenced by chronic stress and its physiological effects. In my case, recovery required addressing not only physical pain but also deeply rooted patterns related to self-worth and emotional well-being.

When the body remains in a chronic inflammatory state, it continuously mobilizes immune, metabolic, and hormonal resources in an effort to restore balance. Sustained immune activation requires considerable amounts of energy and increases the demand for oxygen, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. As these resources become depleted, persistent fatigue often becomes one of the most noticeable symptoms.

Several decades ago, this type of chronic exhaustion was most commonly associated with older adults. Today, however, similar symptoms are increasingly reported by people in their thirties and even younger adults. For this reason, persistent fatigue should never be ignored. Instead, it deserves careful observation and thoughtful consideration of its possible underlying causes.

Itchy skin and skin rashes

Autoimmune diseases frequently manifest through changes affecting the skin, including redness, roughness, papules, scaling, and persistent itching. Pruritus is often overlooked or considered an isolated symptom, rather than being viewed in the broader context of the underlying disease.

The skin should not be regarded as an organ functioning independently of the rest of the body. Instead, it often reflects disturbances in the body’s overall homeostasis. As the largest organ of the body, the skin is highly responsive to metabolic changes, immune activity, and detoxification processes. According to many authors, skin discoloration, swelling, wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks, and various skin eruptions may also be external signs accompanying chronic inflammatory processes occurring elsewhere in the body.

For this reason, effective long-term management of chronic skin disorders often requires more than treating the skin itself. Whenever possible, identifying and addressing the underlying causes of persistent inflammation may contribute to restoring the body’s physiological balance.

Brain fog

The term brain fog became widely recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before then, it was rarely used in everyday clinical practice, and relatively few patients reported these symptoms to their physicians. Today, however, brain fog is recognized as one of the most troublesome symptoms experienced by many individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and has also been described in association with conditions such as celiac disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lyme disease, anxiety disorders, and post-COVID syndrome.

Brain fog does not refer to a single symptom but rather to a collection of cognitive difficulties. Individuals commonly describe problems with concentration, maintaining attention, logical thinking, memory, information processing, and mental clarity.

Increasing evidence suggests that persistent low-grade inflammation may contribute to these cognitive symptoms in at least some individuals. Brain fog has traditionally been discussed mainly in relation to neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many physicians working within integrative and functional approaches to medicine to re-examine these symptoms as part of a broader pattern of chronic neurological dysfunction.

I had the opportunity to attend an international scientific conference devoted to this topic, where several speakers described what they referred to as the concept of a „broken brain” — a term used to illustrate the cumulative effects of chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired neurological resilience. Although this expression is not an official medical diagnosis, it reflects an increasing interest in understanding the complex interactions between the immune system, metabolism, and brain function.

A growing body of research suggests that chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative processes, including those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. These findings have also highlighted the potential importance of involving nutrition professionals as members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams caring for patients with autoimmune diseases.

An individualized, nutritionally balanced dietary plan may help reduce dietary factors that contribute to inflammation in susceptible individuals and may therefore represent one component of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Some clinicians recommend elimination and rotation diets in carefully selected patients, although these approaches should be individualized and supervised by qualified healthcare professionals.

Particular attention has also been directed toward mitochondrial function, as mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy metabolism. Ongoing research continues to explore how mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to fatigue, impaired cognitive performance, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Chronic pain and muscle weakness

Persistent pain affecting the muscles and joints is a common feature of many chronic inflammatory disorders. Ongoing inflammation may increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to pain, stiffness, swelling, and, in some cases, redness around affected tissues.

Muscle pain does not always occur together with visible inflammation. Symptoms often develop gradually, and over time even ordinary activities such as walking, bending, or swallowing may become increasingly difficult.

For many patients, pain-relieving medications provide important symptomatic relief. However, these treatments generally reduce pain without addressing the underlying cause of inflammation. Like all medications, they may also produce adverse effects, particularly when used over long periods, including effects on the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or cardiovascular system. In susceptible individuals, medications themselves may occasionally trigger hypersensitivity or immune-mediated reactions.

For these reasons, whenever persistent pain is present, it is important to investigate its underlying cause rather than focusing solely on symptom control. Chronic pain is often a signal that an inflammatory process remains active. Early recognition of potential contributing factors, together with appropriate medical evaluation and individualized treatment, may help reduce disease progression and improve long-term quality of life.

SOME FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Modern diets may contain a variety of foods and dietary components that can promote inflammatory processes or contribute to their persistence in susceptible individuals. These include excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and certain dietary fats, particularly when they replace a balanced intake of whole foods rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fats.

Individual responses to food, however, vary considerably. People living with autoimmune diseases may react differently to specific foods than healthy individuals. Food sensitivities may also develop under particular circumstances, including genetic predisposition, chronic illness, environmental influences, severe psychological stress or trauma, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or prolonged exposure to other harmful factors. Every person has a unique biological makeup, and health is shaped by a complex interaction between genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle, previous illnesses, and the treatments received throughout life.

Chronic inflammation commonly accompanies autoimmune diseases and, in some cases, may contribute to their progression or increased disease activity. Lifestyle factors can further influence inflammatory processes. These include dietary habits, chronic psychological stress, inadequate sleep, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and long-term use of certain medications. Environmental pollutants, including airborne particulate matter (smog) and exposure to various chemical substances, have also been associated with inflammatory responses. Some researchers continue to investigate whether prolonged exposure to certain forms of electromagnetic radiation may have biological effects, although current scientific evidence remains inconclusive.

Persistent inflammation may arise from dysregulation or prolonged activation of the immune system. When inflammatory pathways remain active for extended periods, they may contribute to tissue damage and sustained production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially playing a role in symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and widespread physical discomfort.

For some individuals, adverse reactions to particular foods may also contribute to inflammatory processes. In susceptible people, certain dietary components may affect intestinal barrier function and immune regulation. Increased intestinal permeability — commonly referred to as a „leaky gut” — has been investigated as one possible mechanism involved in maintaining chronic inflammation, although this remains an active area of scientific research.

I discuss these and other gastrointestinal mechanisms in greater detail in my earlier book Systemic Autoimmune Diseases.

The impact of stress on the whole body. Education comes first

Stress is the body’s natural response to situations perceived as difficult or threatening. It functions as an internal alarm system that mobilizes both the body and the mind to cope with challenges.

Stress triggers a series of biochemical processes designed to increase the body’s readiness to respond. The heart beats faster, breathing becomes shallower, and the nervous system prepares for action. A cascade of chemical reactions occurs throughout the body, enabling it to deal with potential danger. Stress therefore acts as a biological alarm signal that warns of a threat and subsides once the situation has stabilized. It is an adaptive mechanism indicating that attention, decision-making, or change may be required.

The stress response generally takes one of three forms: fight, flight, or freeze.

The alarm stage of the stress response

The first phase of the stress response corresponds to the alarm stage described in Hans Selye’s classical model of stress.

During this stage, the body mobilizes its resources within fractions of a second in preparation for action. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing accelerates, and muscles become tense. This represents the body’s automatic response, coordinated by the nervous and endocrine systems, with the purpose of maximizing the chances of survival in the face of perceived danger.

Originally, this adaptive response evolved to protect humans from predators and other immediate threats. Today, however, everyday life presents different challenges — work deadlines, interpersonal conflicts, financial pressures, or excessive responsibilities — yet the body continues to react in much the same way by activating the mechanisms of fight, flight, or freeze.

Stress is also highly individual. What is intensely stressful for one person may have little impact on someone else.

Symptoms and types of stress

Stress affects every aspect of life, including emotions, behaviour, cognitive function, and physical health. At times, it may seem to arise without any obvious cause, although its true source may remain hidden or outside conscious awareness.

Because individuals cope with stress differently, its manifestations also vary. The symptoms of stress often resemble those of various medical conditions and may involve both psychological and physical changes. These symptoms frequently overlap and evolve depending on how long the stress persists.

Psychological symptoms of stress

— Anxiety and irritability, including difficulty concentrating, emotional tension, and becoming easily upset.

— Intrusive thoughts and excessive worrying, with persistent mental replaying of problems (rumination).

— Low mood, pessimism, and feelings of discouragement. Sometimes stress appears to arise „for no reason,” although its underlying cause may simply remain unrecognized.

— Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or frequent awakenings during the night. Many people also experience morning stress, waking with a sense of tension rather than calm.

Physical symptoms of stress

— Muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.

— Increased heart rate and rapid breathing as part of the body’s natural preparation for action.

— Headaches and gastrointestinal complaints, including constipation or diarrhoea, which commonly accompany prolonged nervous tension.

— Fatigue and reduced immune function, as the body consumes greater amounts of energy, increasing susceptibility to infections and impairing overall vitality.

During short-term stress, the body responds with a surge of adrenaline, increasing alertness, raising blood pressure, and rapidly mobilizing energy. When the stressor persists over time, however, cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — becomes chronically elevated. Persistently increased cortisol levels may disrupt the function of numerous physiological systems by suppressing immune activity, placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system, slowing tissue repair, and negatively affecting memory and mood.

Chronic stress therefore becomes a genuine threat to both physical and mental health.

In everyday life, the stress response may gradually become habitual. It is then activated even in situations that require neither physical confrontation nor escape. Under these circumstances, what was once a protective mechanism becomes an unnecessary burden, contributing to a wide range of adverse health consequences.

The sources of everyday stress are diverse and highly subjective. Common examples include excessive workload, lack of control, relationship conflicts, social pressure, and financial insecurity. When such stress persists, it can significantly impair both psychological well-being and physical health.

Work-related stress has become one of the most common threats to modern well-being. Constant deadlines, increasing expectations, and workplace competition may function as a „silent destroyer,” gradually weakening immunity, lowering mood, and eventually contributing to occupational burnout.

For this reason, education is essential. Learning effective strategies for managing stress is one of the most valuable investments we can make, since stress itself can never be completely eliminated from life.

The impact of stress on human health

The human body is well adapted to cope with short-term stress, which enhances survival under acute circumstances. It is not, however, designed to withstand chronic stress lasting for months or years — a pattern that has become increasingly characteristic of modern lifestyles.

The effects of chronic stress extend to virtually every aspect of health. Persistent psychological tension stimulates excessive production of cortisol and adrenaline, placing strain on the cardiovascular system, suppressing immune function, and disturbing hormonal balance. Long-term elevation of cortisol may impair the function of numerous body systems, contributing to chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and a variety of other health problems.

For these reasons, chronic stress is increasingly regarded as one of the major health challenges of modern civilization, influencing virtually every dimension of human functioning.

Stress and the cardiovascular system

When the body experiences stress, the fight-or-flight response is activated, causing blood vessels to constrict. As a result, heart rate and blood pressure increase. Prolonged exposure to stress may increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic stress may also influence heart rhythm, contributing to arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. These rhythm disturbances can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications, including the formation of blood clots, thereby raising the likelihood of heart attack or stroke.

Stress and the respiratory system

Stressful situations are often accompanied by rapid, shallow breathing, which may reduce the efficiency of gas exchange within the lungs.

Stress also causes muscle tension, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles that play an essential role in breathing. Persistent muscle tension may reduce the flexibility of the chest wall and limit full expansion of the lungs during respiration.

Long-term stress may weaken immune function, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, stress may worsen symptoms such as shortness of breath or asthma attacks.

Some studies also suggest that chronic stress may influence breathing during sleep and contribute to conditions associated with sleep hypoventilation, in which impaired gas exchange during sleep may lead to a variety of health problems.

Stress and digestion

Stress can affect both the digestive tract and its normal functioning.

In some individuals, stress alters appetite and eating habits. Some experience increased hunger, often resulting in excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, while others lose their appetite altogether.

Stress may also interfere with digestive function, contributing to heartburn, indigestion, abdominal pain, and altered intestinal motility. Depending on the individual, intestinal transit may either accelerate or slow down.

Stress is considered one of the factors capable of aggravating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It may also disturb the balance of the intestinal microbiota, which plays an essential role in maintaining digestive health.

In response to stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These substances can influence digestion by affecting nutrient absorption, digestive processes, and the permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Stress and the menstrual cycle

Stress hormones may disrupt the hormonal balance that regulates the menstrual cycle. As a result, menstrual periods may become irregular. In some women, chronic stress is associated with increased menstrual pain and more severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

Stress and cholesterol

Long-term stress may contribute to metabolic disturbances, including increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often referred to as „bad” cholesterol) and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, „good” cholesterol). These changes may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Stress and skin disorders

Psychological stress also affects immune function and hormonal balance.

Stress may aggravate acne, psoriasis, eczema, and excessive hair loss. It also appears to delay tissue repair, causing wounds and skin irritation to heal more slowly.

Stress, female reproductive health, and pregnancy

Chronic stress may pose significant risks for both the mother and the developing fetus. It has been associated with an increased risk of complications such as preterm birth, impaired fetal development, and reduced maternal well-being.

Stress-related hormonal disturbances may also influence the child’s future physical and psychological health.

In addition, stress may increase menstrual discomfort in some women.

Stress and disease

Persistent psychological stress increases the risk of numerous chronic disorders. Many stress-related diseases develop gradually, sometimes over many years.

These include: