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.

Delhi’s air pollution has worsened even before the onset of peak winter. This has raised concerns about development and health of children who are constantly exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

While the immediate effects of polluted air like coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties are known, research says that long-term exposure can also impact children’s developing brains, including effects on their memory, attention, IQ and ability to learn.

Delhi Winter Pollution Highest In 3 Years

On November 12, Delhi's air quality got listed under 'very poor' category. Stations like IIT Delhi and Delhi IITM recorded an AQI of 416, while NSUT Jaffarpur and Delhi DPCC recorded 404. Anand Vihar station recorded 319 while DTU Delhi stated 372.

A new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), released recently, found that Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration during the week preceding Diwali stood at 236 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), the highest in the last three years. This was 97% higher than the 120 µg/m³ recorded in 2025 and 32% above the 179 µg/m³ recorded in 2024.

The analysis also found that pollution levels during the early winter period were higher this year than in 2025. Vehicular emissions and pollution from neighbouring NCR districts were among the major contributors. The findings suggest that firecracker smoke from Diwali aggravated an already high pollution burden.

Delhi’s pollution crisis is not only threatening people’s lungs and cardiovascular health, it is also posing significant risks to children’s brain health. Could breathing polluted air affect how well children concentrate, recall information and learn at school?

Also read: World Pneumonia Day 2026: Post-Diwali Cough Or Pneumonia? Doctors Explain Warning Signs

Effects Of PM2.5 On Children’s Cognitive Health

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the respiratory system, fueling inflammation and oxidative stress. Not just lungs, their effects may reach children’s nervous systems.

Dr Sushil Singla, Director, Paediatrics, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, Faridabad told HealthandMe, “Exposure to PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) can affect children's cognitive development, including memory, attention span and learning abilities. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which can have wider effects on the developing brain. Children are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing and they inhale more air relative to their body weight than adults.”

The developing brain goes through significant changes throughout childhood. Processes involved in learning, memory, attention and executive function continue to evolve during these years. Exposure to environmental pollutants during fragile developmental periods is therefore a huge concern.

Also read: Delhi Air Pollution: PM2.5 Exposure May Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk By 16%, Study Finds

Effects On Learning And Academic Performance

Difficulties in paying attention, memorising and processing complex information can make it harder for children to follow lessons in the classroom.

“Prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution has been associated with difficulties in concentration, attention, information processing and memory. This may also affect a child's learning abilities and academic performance over time. Although the extent of the impact varies depending on the duration and intensity of exposure, parents should take preventive measures,” says Dr Singla.

What Does Science Say?

Also read: Delhi Breathes Toxic PM2.5: Study Finds 9 Million Lives Could Be Saved Globally By Meeting WHO Air Quality Limits

Several studies suggest that air pollution exposure may be associated with poorer cognitive outcomes in children.

A review and meta-analysis published in Environmental Health in 2024 examined six studies involving 4,860 children across North America, Europe and Asia. It found a statistically significant association between higher PM2.5 exposure and lower IQ scores. The researchers reported that every 1 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 0.27-point decrease in full-scale IQ.

A 2022 review of 86 studies also found evidence between particulate matter exposure and poorer executive function in children, specifically working memory. Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help children plan, focus attention, remember instructions and manage multiple tasks.

Recent research based on data from the US Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study also showed that PM2.5 exposure was linked with smaller hippocampal volumes and lower working-memory in young people.

The hippocampus is a brain region involved in learning and memory. The researchers suggested that exposure during both prenatal development and late childhood could affect brain structure and function.

What Can Parents Do?

While individual precautions cannot eliminate the pollution burden, they can help reduce exposure. Dr Singla advises parents to monitor AQI levels, limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and ensure adequate indoor ventilation. Other measures include:

• Check air quality before outdoor activities: Avoid outdoor sports, running and strenuous exercise when pollution levels are high.

• Keep windows closed during pollution episodes: Ventilate rooms when outdoor air quality improves. Where possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

• Use a well-fitting N95 mask: A respirator can reduce exposure to particulate matter when children need to be outdoors.

• Follow school advisories: Parents should stay informed about changes to outdoor classes, sports and school schedules during severe pollution days.

Former US President Joe Biden has shared an update on his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, saying the disease has sometimes slowed him down but has not stopped him.

In a post on X, ahead of the November 17 release of his memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, Biden revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer while writing the book.

“Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down,” he wrote, adding that he would be unable to participate in as many book-related conversations as he had hoped.

Biden said his doctors were encouraged by his response to treatment. He also thanked people for their prayers and wishes, saying their support meant a great deal to him, Jill and their family.

Biden also discussed his cancer diagnosis, treatment and its impact on his life in an interview with People, alongside his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden.

Joe Biden: Would Have Resigned If He Had Known About Cancer

Also read: Over 40% Prostate Cancer Patients in India Diagnosed After Cancer Has Spread: ICMR study

Biden addressed speculation about when he learnt about his diagnosis, saying, “We let the public know when I found out.”

He said he initially experienced recurring pain, prompting Jill to question why men in their 70s were not routinely tested. Subsequent tests revealed that his prostate cancer had metastasised to the bone.

Biden also said he would have stepped down from the presidency had he known his discomfort was caused by cancer, People reported.

“If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned,” he said, adding that he did not believe an 80-year-old man with cancer should be running for president.

The diagnosis changed the couple's plans for life after the White House, including travelling.

“Because of that metastasis, he will always have cancer,” Jill said. “It changes your life, it changes your perspective about life. So now we're on a new journey.”

Biden said he remained hopeful and was feeling good. He takes eight pills a day and has undergone two tests to check whether the cancer has spread further. He said the results indicated that it had not.

“I still have all my faculties. I still have my physical faculties as well. So we're hopeful,” he said.

Jill Biden On The Challenges Of Caregiving

Read More: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy

Meanwhile, Jill described the emotional and physical demands of caring for her husband, saying it was different from looking after her parents or in-laws.

“It's just a lot different, I think, when it's your spouse because of the difference in the relationship,” she said.

Her daily routine now includes ensuring Biden eats well, exercises and takes his medication, as well as communicating with his doctors.

“I have seen how hard it is, how really emotionally hard it is, physically hard to go through each day,” she said.

The couple also discussed their family life and time with their grandchildren as they approach their 50th wedding anniversary.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a gland found only in males, located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum.

Nearly all prostate cancers develop from glandular cells and are classified as adenocarcinomas.

In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million new cases and 370,000 deaths from prostate cancer were reported worldwide. It was the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in 112 countries and the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in 48 countries.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255,395 new prostate cancer cases were reported in the US in 2022, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men that year.

What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Difficulty urinating
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone pain
• Unexplained weight loss.

Young and older people are reporting persistent coughs and throat irritation following Diwali celebrations, with rising pollution levels, smog and exposure to firecracker emissions likely contributing to these symptoms.

However, when these symptoms persist or worsen, they could sometimes signal a more serious respiratory infection, including pneumonia, experts warned on World Pneumonia Day, observed every year on November 12.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Neelam H. Jain, Internal Medicine Specialist and Medical Educator at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, said doctors' clinics tend to get swamped every November with patients who blame their lingering coughs entirely on post-Diwali smog.

"While particulate matter and fireworks residue certainly irritate airways, a cough that persists or worsens demands a closer look. Sometimes, what feels like seasonal irritation masks something more serious: pneumonia," she said.

The deterioration in air quality after Diwali can particularly affect children, older adults and people with pre-existing lung conditions.

"Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), along with toxic gases from firecrackers and vehicular emissions, can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger inflammation and worsen existing respiratory illnesses," Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

Also read: Delhi Pollution: Is Your Child's Cough Or Wheezing A Warning Sign? When Should Parents Worry?

What Are The Warning Signs Of Pneumonia?

Not every persistent cough indicates pneumonia. Exposure to firecracker emissions and poor air quality can cause airway irritation and inflammation. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention.

Dr. Jain said a cough that changes from dry to producing thick, green or rust-coloured phlegm, particularly when accompanied by persistent fever, chills and sharp chest pain while breathing deeply, requires further evaluation.

"Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, filling them with fluid or pus," she said.

Other symptoms that may indicate pneumonia include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. Older adults, children and people with underlying conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable to respiratory complications.

"If your post-Diwali cough lasts longer than two weeks, is accompanied by shortness of breath, or leaves you unusually fatigued, do not write it off as just bad air. Listen to your body and consult a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis makes all the difference," Dr. Jain added.

People experiencing breathlessness, chest pain or high fever should seek medical attention without waiting for two weeks.

Can Air Pollution Increase The Risk Of Pneumonia?

Persistent cough, throat irritation, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness are common symptoms of pollution-induced respiratory irritation.

Dr. Mittal explained that air pollution does not directly cause pneumonia. However, it can impair the lungs' natural defence mechanisms, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

It can also aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD, potentially increasing the risk of complications.

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

How To Protect Your Lungs During High Pollution Levels

Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 319 on November 12, placing it in the 'very poor' category. As of 6:30 am, 36 of the city's 58 air quality monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 300.

Dr. Mittal advised people to minimise outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality and use well-fitted N95 masks when stepping outside.

Other precautions include:

• Keep indoor spaces adequately ventilated.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Seek timely medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist or worsen.

What Is Pneumonia And How Can You Prevent It?

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection causes the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.

It can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Some forms can also spread through respiratory droplets.

Measures to reduce the risk of pneumonia include:

• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal infections and COVID-19, as recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get adequate rest.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage the lungs' natural defences against infections.