Stress & Anxiety

I like this article from the NY Times

Effect on the Immune System

Chronic stress affects the immune system in complicated ways, and may have various results.
Susceptibility to Infections. Chronic stress may have an effect on the immune system's response to infections. Several studies claim that people who are under chronic stress have low white blood cell counts and are more vulnerable to colds. Once a person catches a cold or flu, stress can make symptoms worse. People who carry the herpes virus may be more susceptible to viral activation after they are exposed to stress.
Inflammatory Response. Some evidence suggests that chronic stress triggers an over-production of certain immune factors called cytokines. Such findings may partly explain the association between chronic stress and numerous diseases, including heart disease and asthma.

Read more at http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/stress-and-anxiety/possible-complications.html

No comments:

Post a Comment