A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Stress: Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings and your behaviour. Being able to recognise common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress that is left unchecked can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

•     A faster heart rate
•     Skipped heartbeats
•     Rapid breathing
•     Sweating
•     Trembling
•     Dizziness 
•     Loose stools
•     Frequent need to urinate
•     Dry mouth
•     Problems swallowing 

If you are not sure whether stress is the cause or if you have taken steps to control your stress but your symptoms continue, see your doctor who may want to check for other potential causes.

Medical Emergency: If you have chest pain, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, get emergency help immediately. These may be warning of a heart attack and not simply stress symptoms.