The emotional consequences from too much stress and anxiety may range from frustration and anger to worry and fear. These emotions can lead to harmful physical effects that may impair a person's overall health. The symptoms can even result in unhealthy behaviors that may increase the risk of such maladies as infections and heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Allergies
There may be an increase in allergy symptoms or sensitivity to allergy triggers when the body is overcome by stress and anxiety. Allergic reactions may last longer than usual. Cold chills are sometimes experienced, along with flu-like symptoms or illness. Infections and other illnesses may also increase.
Back Problems
Feelings of tension from stress and anxiety may lead to back pain, stiffness, pressure, soreness, muscle spasms in the back and immobility in the back and back muscles.
Chest Pain
Chest pains or tightness may be experienced. Sometimes, there are feelings of choking. Heart palpations or a pounding heartbeat may be felt. There may be feelings of tightness or pressure around the rib cage.
Body Sensitivity
Stress and anxiety may cause more blanching of the skin, as well as blushing, flushed face or reddened skin. AnxietyCentre.com, a support website for people with anxiety symptoms, says that body jolts may occur, causing a feeling that the body is being hit with an electric jolt. Tingling sensations or shooting pains may occur. The body temperature may increase or decrease. There may be a feeling of burning skin or prickly sensations and skin numbness.
Fatigue
Exhaustion or chronic fatigue may affect people going through episodes of stress and anxiety. People have also been known to experience clumsiness or a lack of coordination. The weakness may result in difficulty speaking. Dizziness and lightheadedness may occur. People suffering from anxiety and stress may have falling sensations, as if they are about to drop. Trembling and shaking are often physical symptoms.
Abdominal Difficulties
Stress and anxiety may cause diarrhea or a frequent need to urinate, explains the NIH. Nausea and vomiting may occur. Tightness in the stomach may be experienced. A tight stomach can result from worry or tension. There may be unexplained weight loss or gain.
Sexual Dysfunction
The stress and anxiety may become so overpowering that sexual problems may develop. The irritability and overwhelming worry from the tension may cause a loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, including sex. Sexual problems may arise because the heart can be affected by stress, decreasing the blood flow to different areas of the body, including the sexual organs.
