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.

Every year, as the monsoon rolls in, hospitals and clinics across India see a familiar pattern: a sharp uptick in children and elderly patients presenting with vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

Doctors attribute this seasonal surge to a combination of contaminated water supplies, deteriorating food hygiene, and warm, humid conditions that favour the spread of viruses like rotavirus and norovirus.

Why Monsoon Fuels Gut Infections

Heavy rains and flooding routinely compromise municipal water lines, allowing sewage to mix with drinking water. Street food and produce are more prone to contamination during this period, and the humidity itself accelerates bacterial and viral growth.

Acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is consistently one of the fastest rising monsoon health conditions, with rotavirus being a leading cause in children and norovirus a common culprit across age groups.

Understanding Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious, wheel shaped virus and remains the leading cause of severe diarrhoeal illness and death in children under five worldwide. It spreads through the faecal oral route via contaminated water, food, surfaces, or close contact with an infected person, and can cause several days of intense vomiting and watery diarrhoea, putting young children at real risk of rapid dehydration.

The good news: Rotavirus vaccines, given orally in a series of doses before 8 months of age, are highly effective at preventing severe disease and are recommended as part of national immunisation programmes.

Also read: Climate Change And Progressive Urbanization Call For An Integrated Approach To Infectious Disease Surveillance

Expert Recommended Prevention Measures

1. Water safety first

Boil or filter all drinking water during the monsoon months. Avoid ice and beverages of uncertain origin, especially from street vendors.

2. Food hygiene

Steer clear of cut fruits, chaat, and other street food that has been sitting exposed. Cook food thoroughly and eat it hot. Avoid reheated leftovers stored without refrigeration.

Also read: Dengue & Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Can A Common Monsoon Illness Trigger A Serious Nerve Disorder?

3. Hand hygiene

Frequent handwashing with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers remains one of the single most effective, low cost interventions against faecal oral transmission.

4. Vaccination

Ensure infants complete their full rotavirus vaccine schedule on time. Vaccination substantially reduces hospitalisations and severe outcomes, even though it does not eliminate all seasonal transmission.

5. Isolate and disinfect

Because these viruses spread easily within households and childcare settings, keep infected individuals' utensils and linens separate, and disinfect surfaces regularly during an active infection.

Recognising The Warning Signs

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis are self limiting, but caregivers should watch for signs of dehydration that require urgent medical attention:

• Sunken eyes, dry mouth, or reduced tears when crying (in infants)
• Little or no urination for 6+ hours
• Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
• Persistent vomiting that prevents fluid intake
• High fever or blood in the stool

Also read: Beware! Common Mistakes New Parents Make During Their Baby’s First Monsoon

Treatment: What Actually Helps

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the cornerstone of management.

A simple homemade version consists of 1 litre of boiled and cooled water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt. It can be lifesaving when commercial ORS packets are not available, though pre mixed WHO formula ORS is preferable when accessible.

Zinc supplementation (around 20 mg daily for 10 to 14 days) is recommended for children under five, as it has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral gastroenteritis and should only be used if a bacterial cause, such as cholera, is confirmed by a doctor. Inappropriate antibiotic use can do more harm than good.

Continue feeding. For breastfed infants, continue breastfeeding throughout the illness. For older children and adults, small, frequent sips of fluids and bland, easily digestible food are better tolerated than large meals.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care promptly if there is persistent high fever, visible blood in the stool or vomit, signs of moderate to severe dehydration, or if symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 days, particularly in infants, the elderly, or anyone with underlying health conditions.

By Dr. Geeta Malkan Billa, Director of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Dr. L. H. Hiranandani Hospital

Urinary tract infections are common. A lot of people get them every year. When you have a tract infection you might feel a burning sensation when you go to the bathroom you might have to go to the bathroom a lot and your lower belly might hurt. These symptoms can get in the way of your life. You might want to try to make the pain go away on your own. Taking medicine without prescription is not a good idea.

Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can be bad for you. Urinary tract infections can become harder to cure when the bacteria get used to the medicine. This is called resistance and it is a big problem for everyone’s health. When this happens, you might get tract infections repeatedly and you might have fewer choices, for treatment. That is why it is so important to go seek medical attention at the earliest.

Causes Of UTIs

Most Urinary Tract Infections are caused by bacteria that are usually in the digestive tract and then get into the urethra. Things like not having water, not keeping yourself clean having something wrong with the urinary system or having a weak immune system can make it more likely for bacteria to grow.

If you take the medicine or stop taking it too soon the strong bacteria will live and get stronger. Over time these bacteria will not be affected by the medicines, which makes them very hard to treat. This is what happens when you have a Urinary Tract Infection that is resistant to drugs. Urinary Tract Infections, like these are very tough to deal with.

Also read: Kidney Stones In Urban India: Causes, Prevention, And Modern Treatment

Signs And Symptoms To Watch Out For:

Recognizing the early warning signs helps prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the body. Common signs of a UTI include:

• A strong, continuous urge to urinate, even immediately after emptying the bladder

• A burning or painful sensation during urination

• Passing small amounts of cloudy, dark, or unusual-smelling urine

• Visible blood in the urine, giving it a pink or reddish tint

• Pelvic pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

• Fever, chills, lower back pain, or nausea, which often signal that the infection has reached the kidneys

Also read: Prostate Cancer: NHS England's New Precision Radiotherapy Offers Hope In Just 5 Sessions

Tips For Prevention:

Preventing tract infections is always better than treating them especially now that we have a lot of antibiotic resistance. If you do simple things every day you can reduce the risk of bacteria getting into your urinary system.

Here are some things that can help:

1. Stay well hydrated: Drinking water is very important for urinary health. When you drink fluids during the day it helps wash away bacteria from the urinary system. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.

2. Prioritize good personal hygiene: Doing things to stay clean can help lower the chance of a UTI. It is best to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This keeps bacteria from the stomach area from moving into the system.

3. Don’t delay urination: Going to the bathroom regularly helps stop bacteria from growing. If you hold your urine for long it can create a place where bacteria grow faster. This makes it more likely to get an infection.

4. Be cautious with intimate hygiene products: Products that have smells, like sprays or douches can hurt sensitive areas. They can also change the balance of bacteria that protect the body. This might make UTIs more likely.

5. Wear breathable fabrics: Choosing cotton underwear and clothes that're not tight helps keep the area dry. A dry and cool place is not a home, for bacteria. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.

Also read: Can You Flush Out A UTI By Drinking More Water?

Diagnosis And Proper Medical Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any medication. Diagnosis start with an evaluation and a simple urine test called a urinalysis to check for bacteria white blood cells and red blood cells.

In cases a urine culture is also done. This test finds the strain of bacteria causing the infection and tests it against different medications to find out which antibiotic will work best. For people who have recurring UTIs imaging tests, like ultrasound or CT scans might be used to look at the structure of the urinary tract and find any blockages or problems that are there.

Treatment Options

Also read: Turns Out, Peeing In The Shower Could Have Unexpected Dangers

Urinary tract infections or Urinary Tract Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. You must take all the antibiotics even if you start to feel better so that you can be sure the Urinary Tract Infection is gone and you do not get sick again.

Medicines also help with the pain and discomfort you feel when you urinate, such as burning or feeling like you must go to the bathroom all the time.

In some cases, Urinary Tract Infections may recur due to underlying conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract blockages, an enlarged prostate or structural abnormalities of the system. When these factors are identified, treating the root cause becomes essential.

Procedures such as kidney stone removal, stent placement or corrective surgery for urinary tract abnormalities may be recommended to prevent repeated Urinary Tract Infections.

Prevention and early intervention remain the effective strategies, in managing Urinary Tract Infections. Being aware of the warning signs and getting care at the onset of symptoms and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and serious complications.

With diagnosis and appropriate treatment most Urinary Tract Infections can be successfully managed, safeguarding both urinary health and overall well-being.

By Dr. Arif Akhtar, Principal Consultant - Urology, Robotics and Renal Transplant, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram

By the time we enter our 40s, the lungs begin to undergo gradual changes that can affect breathing capacity and respiratory reserve. While some changes are a normal part of ageing, persistent cough, breathlessness or recurrent chest infections should not simply be dismissed as getting older.

Experts explain why lung health deserves greater attention after 40, which everyday habits can help protect the lungs, and when screening or medical evaluation may be needed.

As we enter our 40s, what natural changes occur in our lungs, and why does lung health become more important at this stage of life?

As we age lung tissue elasticity declines and chest wall mechanics stiffen. From an oncology standpoint, age-related cellular damage and long-term exposure to cancer causing agents like tobacco increase cancer risk. Looking after lung health from young age builds the respiratory reserve needed to tolerate advanced medical or surgical interventions if required as you get older.

What everyday lifestyle habits can help keep our lungs healthy after 40?

Engage in regular aerobic conditioning exercises to maintain full breathing capacity. Reduce carcinogen exposure by avoiding active and passive tobacco smoke, and ensuring proper ventilation while cooking. using HEPA air purifiers may help to an extent. Maintain an antioxidant-rich diet to combat cellular oxidative stress.

Also read: Dream Of Becoming A Footballer Or Cricketer? Cardiologists Reveal Heart-Healthy Habits For Young Athletes

What are some early signs of declining lung health that people often dismiss as 'just ageing' but should actually get checked?

2 to 3 week cut off is applicable here. A persistent cough lasting over three weeks, progressive exertional breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss are red flags. This is for both smokers and nonsmokers. Early-stage lung cancers are frequently asymptomatic or subtle; ignoring these signs delays diagnosis. These symptoms are that of TB as well. So, that should be ruled out.

Are there any health screenings, vaccinations, or routine check-ups that adults over 40 should consider to protect their lung health?

Annual flu and once in lifetime pneumococcal vaccine prevents severe pulmonary infections. For high-risk individuals—such as heavy past or present smokers—a annual Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan is the gold standard for early lung cancer detection, finding lesions when they are most curable. Eliminating tobacco, mitigating indoor air pollution, exercising, and maintaining balanced nutrition significantly lower cancer risk and improve overall survival outcomes.

By Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, MACS-Renova Oncology Institute, KIMS Hospital, Bangaluru