Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its consequences are not just mood swings and mental fatigue. Continual stress makes people produce extra cortisol, a hormone that has a critical role in adapting to short-term challenges, but chronically in high quantities it tends to cause harm to the body causing lots of physical and mental disorders.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps the body control its "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Cortisol temporarily adjusts blood sugar levels, maintains blood pressure, and assists the immune system, among other functions, in short spurts. But when stress persists, cortisol remains high, and necessary functions of the body are interfered with and rendered more susceptible to disease.

According to one survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stress negatively affects a third of Americans' physical health. Concerns are reinforced by research where studies have shown 80% of primary care visits are stress-related.

But why does stress have such a profound impact? Elevated cortisol limits the immune system's ability to fight infections, disrupts hormonal balance, and triggers inflammation. Over time, these changes can lead to serious health complications.

Signs That High Cortisol Is Stressing Your Body

Persistent Eye Twitches

Do you have involuntary eye spasms? These harmless but annoying twitches often indicate elevated cortisol. The tiny muscles around the eyes are extremely sensitive to stress, contracting or spasming because of cortisol's stimulant-like effects.

Skin Breakouts and Sensitivity

Your skin often reflects what is going on inside your body, and chronic stress can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Elevated cortisol levels stimulate oil production, which exacerbates acne. It also slows down the healing process, worsens conditions like eczema, and contributes to general irritation of the skin.

Frequent Bloating and Digestive Issues

It also interferes with the body's balance of salt and water, which causes fluid retention and bloating. Excess cortisol also slows down blood flow to the digestive system, which further weakens gut bacteria and causes poor digestion, excess gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Weight Fluctuations

High cortisol stimulates the production of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop, making people want to eat sugary, high-fat foods. For many, this becomes an excuse to stress-eat and gain weight. For others, the opposite is true: their appetite disappears under stress, causing them to lose weight.

Unexplained Bruising

If you’re noticing random bruises, elevated cortisol could be the culprit. This hormone weakens skin proteins and the walls of small blood vessels, making your skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Cold Symptoms That Won’t Go Away

Do you feel rundown or experience muscle aches, fatigue, or upset stomach regularly? Elevated cortisol mimics cold-like symptoms. Long-term stress also weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Also Read: Stressed At Work? Your Sleep Might Be Paying The Price, New Study Shows

Vision Problems

Chronic stress can damage your eyesight. Elevated cortisol disrupts blood flow to the eyes, increases eye pressure, and raises the risk of glaucoma. Symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are also common.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular Menstrual Cycles that disrupt the menstrual period. In females, this leads to hormonal distress causing irregular or missed periods. Over time, it may also disturb fertility.

Tinnitus or Persistent Ringing in the Ears

If you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds without an apparent source, stress might be the culprit. Cortisol affects the auditory system by interfering with blood flow and nerve function and could be the trigger for tinnitus.

Increased Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Increased levels of cortisol contribute to inflammation that can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and promote the development of heart disease. Chronic inflammation is also associated with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Long-term Consequences of Increased Cortisol

Left unchecked, high cortisol levels can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Chronic stress has been associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic syndromes. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine underlined the link between stress and physical health, with recent research in Neurobiology of Stres supporting these findings.

Ways Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Managing stress and cortisol levels is essential for maintaining overall health. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga, which helps lower cortisol by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is crucial, as lack of rest can increase cortisol levels; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Another remedy is an overall balanced diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that could manage cortisol production. Finally, it would prevent burnout and chronic stress if proper boundaries were set at work and in personal life.

Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis has raised questions about whether a lung nodule always signals cancer.

The 71-year-old pontiff announced in a post on X this week that doctors had detected a small, localized lung nodule during medical examinations. The nodule was detected at a very early stage, and doctors recommended surgery to remove it.

According to Vatican News, surgeons at Gemelli Hospital removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique. Examination of the tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for roughly 40% of lung cancer cases.

“An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations,” the statement said.

But does finding a lung nodule always mean cancer? HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand which nodules need further investigation and what warning signs to watch for.

What Is a Lung Nodule?

Also read: Pope Leo XIV Will Undergo Lung Nodule Surgery: When Does Removal Become Necessary

A lung nodule is a small, localized spot in the lung, usually detected during a chest X-ray or CT scan. Most are benign, but some may indicate early lung cancer.

Dr Dipanjan Panda, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe, that lung nodules can develop for several reasons, including infections, inflammation and, in some cases, cancer.

Does a Lung Nodule Mean Cancer?

Doctors assess a nodule’s size, shape, density and growth, along with the patient's age, smoking history and other risk factors. Depending on these findings, they may recommend follow-up CT scans, PET-CT imaging or a biopsy.

“A lung nodule is not synonymous with cancer. Most nodules are benign, often related to previous infections or scarring. Their size, appearance, growth, and the patient’s risk factors determine whether surveillance with repeat CT, PET-CT, or biopsy is needed. The key is appropriate risk assessment, not panic or unnecessary testing,” Dr Karn Mehra, Senior Consultant and Unit Head, Advanced Lung Failure and Transplant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Manesar, told HealthandMe.

When Should You Worry About A Lung Nodule?

Read More: Lung Nodule on CT Scan? Doctors Explain When You Should Worry

Dr Raajit Chanana, Director and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, highlighted several factors that may raise concern about malignancy:

• Size: Larger nodules generally carry a higher risk of malignancy.
• Growth: An enlarging nodule warrants further evaluation, while stability over time can be reassuring.
• Appearance: Irregular or spiculated edges are more concerning than smooth, well-defined borders.
• Smoking history: Current and former smokers face a higher risk of lung cancer.
• Personal and environmental factors: A previous cancer diagnosis, family history of lung cancer, and exposure to asbestos or radon may increase concern.
• Persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or breathlessness should prompt medical evaluation.

Can Lung Cancer Affect Non-Smokers?

Although tobacco remains a major risk factor, lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked.

Dr Mehra noted that lung cancer in never-smokers is increasingly being recognized, including among younger adults. Air pollution, occupational exposures and genetic susceptibility may also contribute to the risk.

However, living in a polluted city alone does not justify annual CT scans. Screening should follow established risk criteria, particularly those based on age and smoking history. Low-dose CT can detect early lung cancer in eligible high-risk individuals, while indiscriminate scanning can lead to radiation exposure, false-positive results and unnecessary procedures.

What Happens After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis?

READ: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?

Once lung cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its subtype, stage and molecular profile to guide treatment. Depending on these findings, treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

For nodules not confirmed as cancer, management depends on their size, appearance, growth and the patient's risk factors. Small, low-risk nodules may require periodic CT scans, while suspicious ones may need further imaging or a biopsy. Not every nodule requires an invasive procedure.

Why Is Follow-Up Important?

“A lung nodule is not a cancer diagnosis, but it should never be ignored. Completing recommended follow-up scans is crucial. Quitting smoking remains one of the most effective ways to reduce lung cancer risk. Long-term smokers aged 50 and above should discuss whether they qualify for annual low-dose CT screening,” Dr Chanana said.

Short-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of hospitalisation for several serious health conditions, including cancers and mental disorders, according to a new landmark multicountry study published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

Researchers analysed 346.5 million hospitalisation records from 949 communities across six countries and territories, which included Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and Taiwan.

The study examined the relationship between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and hospital admissions between 2000 and 2019.

The findings revealed that every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with an 8% higher risk of hospitalisation from any cause. It was the strongest for malignant neoplasms, or cancers, followed by mental disorders.

The researchers also found that the increased risks associated with short-term exposure could persist for up to 21 days.

Hospital Admissions Related To Cancer And Mental Health Increased

Also read: Can Delhi’s Air Pollution Increase GI Cancer Risk? Doctors Report Patients As Young As 15

Among the disease categories examined, malignant neoplasms showed the strongest association with short-term PM2.5 exposure, with a 10.8% higher risk of hospitalisation for every 10 μg/m³ increase in particulate matter concentration.

It was followed by mental disorders, which showed a 10% higher risk. Other neoplasms were linked with a 9.6% increase, while nervous system diseases showed an 8.5% increase.

Respiratory diseases, that were commonly prevalent with air pollution, showed a 6.7% increase in hospitalisation risk.

These findings suggest that the health consequences of polluted air may not just be limited to lungs. They could affect people with a wide range of medical conditions.

However, the researchers assessed hospital admissions, not the occurrence of new diseases. Hence, they found that increases in PM2.5 exposure could increase the likelihood of hospitalisation among people affected by these conditions.

Decline In Hospitalisation Risks

Also read: Delhi Smog: Can You Really Tackle Pollution Season With An N95 Mask And Air Purifier?

The researchers found that hospitalisation risks related to pollution were lower during 2010-2019 than in 2000-2009. Using the World Health Organization's daily PM2.5 guideline of 15 μg/m³ as a reference, the estimated proportion of hospitalisations due to exposure declined from 8.9% to 3.9% between the two decades.

Despite this improvement, the associations remained significant across all disease categories. The study had limitations, including substantial differences in effects across different countries and territories. Its findings also cannot automatically be generalised to regions that were not included, including India.

The researchers concluded that reducing PM2.5 exposure remains an important public health measure to lower hospitalisation risks. Cleaner transport, stricter industrial emission controls and lower reliance on polluting fuels could help limit exposure and the significant health burden that comes with it.

The researchers also said that the effects of short-term PM 2.5 exposure on hospital admissions could persist for up to 21 days after exposure.

Effects Of PM2.5

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles can come from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction activities, power generation and the burning of fuels and biomass.

Because of their small size, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, with some components entering the bloodstream. Exposure can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially affecting multiple organs.

Despite the observation, the study does not prove that short-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of serious diseases like cancer. Stronger air-quality monitoring, improved cancer registries and studies linking data with clinical results could help researchers assess whether pollutants are associated with specific cancer types.

Studies would also need to account for other risk factors and differences in exposure across populations.

India faces a substantial hepatitis C burden, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 5.5 million to 12 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Untreated chronic HCV infection can lead to liver scarring, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Could shortening treatment by four weeks help more patients access a cure?

A multi-center trial led by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that an eight-week course of a commonly used antiviral combination was as effective as the standard 12-week regimen in patients without cirrhosis. Published in The Lancet, the findings could have implications for treatment costs and access to care.

The treatment combines sofosbuvir (400 mg) and velpatasvir (100 mg), two direct-acting antivirals that target the hepatitis C virus.

What Did The Indian Trial Find?

Also read: Punjab To Start Screening For HIV, Hepatitis B & C At De-Addiction Centres

The RESOLVE trial, led by researchers from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, evaluated whether eight weeks of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir could match the effectiveness of the standard 12-week course.

The trial enrolled 880 patients without cirrhosis across five publicly funded hospitals in Lucknow, New Delhi and Varanasi. Half received the combination for eight weeks, while the other half received it for 12 weeks.

Among participants who completed treatment and follow-up, 98.8% in the eight-week group achieved a sustained virological response, compared with 99% in the 12-week group. This means the virus remained undetectable after treatment, indicating a cure.

The researchers found that the shorter regimen was non-inferior to the standard course, meaning it was not less effective beyond the trial's prespecified statistical margin.

The study also reported no drug-related serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations due to adverse events.

How Shorter Treatment Help Reduce Hepatitis C Burden In India?

Direct-acting antivirals transformed hepatitis C treatment nearly a decade ago, making it possible to cure most patients with relatively few side effects. However, treatment costs and access remain important considerations for large public health programmes.

A 12-week course of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir costs approximately ₹15,000. Shortening treatment by four weeks could save around ₹5,000 per patient.

If adopted for a population of 60 lakh people requiring treatment, the shorter regimen could potentially save ₹3,000 crore. However, these are projected savings, and the actual impact would depend on patient eligibility, treatment costs and adoption in clinical practice.

Who Can Receive The Shorter Treatment?

The findings apply to patients without cirrhosis, as the trial excluded those with the condition. Patients with cirrhosis may require different treatment approaches depending on the severity of their liver disease and other clinical factors.

The trial's results do not mean that everyone with hepatitis C can switch to an eight-week course. Further evaluation and changes to relevant clinical guidance may be needed before the shorter regimen becomes routine practice.

Patients should consult their treating physician before making any changes to their prescribed treatment.

How Does Hepatitis C Spread?

Hepatitis C can cause illness ranging from mild infection to serious, long-term liver disease. Although some acute infections resolve spontaneously, chronic infection can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.

The virus can spread through infected blood, including via shared needles and unscreened blood transfusions.

Perinatal transmission is an important route of HCV acquisition in children. Early detection can help identify infected infants and ensure appropriate follow-up.