How does continuous and prolonged stress affect the immune system?

Answer 1

Very simply stated: Stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid and has a supressive effect on the immune system, as do all glucocorticoid steroids (ex. dexamethasone). They suppress the inflammatory process which is critical in a properly functioning immune system.

The ways in which the immune system is suppressed by glucocorticoids is EXTREMELY complex, but a simple way to put it is that it keeps white blood cells from doing their job and keeps them from communicating with other white blood cells.

Answer 2

Under stress your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, ect. This hormone release is natural, but it needs to be kept in balance. Under chronic stress your brain does not tell your body to turn off the release of these stress hormones. These stress hormones bind to the immune cells that aid in your immunity. This inhibits your immune cells from functioning properly. Thus allowing pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances to effect the body. In short your body cannot fight off the threats if the immune cells are impaired. There is much more information on the subject. This is just one instance.

Answer 3

Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which has an inhibitory effect on the cells of the immune system. This can cause the body to have a more difficult time addressing and clearing infections with pathogens.

Answer 4

The sympathetic nervous system, active under stress, suppresses the activity associated with the functioning of the immune system. For example, the creation of antibodies takes place at a greatly reduced rate. If stress is sustained for too long it will have adverse effects upon one's physical and emotional well-being. Things that can happen include adrenal exhaustion, weakened immune system, tendency to be susceptible to catching contagious illnesses, a weakening in the body's ability to fend off cancer, decrease in reproductive abilities, decrease in cognitive skills, exhaustion, exacerbation of existing health conditions, heart troubles, and eventually death if the source of the stress is not dealt with. This is one of the reasons it needs to be taken seriously: our bodies were not meant to sustain the emergency state of high preparedness (fight-or-flight) for long intervals of time! Something's gotta give.

Answer 5

It may form Pathological Fatigue.

Answer 6

Stress, anxiety, and panic weakens the immune system’s ability to respond to invaders, leaving us more vulnerable to infections. The cells of the immune system (and other body systems) are unable to respond normally and produce levels of inflammation which increase the risk of further health issues.