During stress, adrenaline and the autonomic nervous system change heart rate, breathing and digestion. Some people develop stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, urgency or a faster heartbeat before examinations, meetings or conflict. These symptoms are real, but should not automatically be labelled as anxiety without assessment.
It can help to record links with food, stress, menstruation, sleep and bowel habits. Regular meals, less excess caffeine and alcohol, slower breathing and recovery time may help. TCM may provide supportive care based on emotional, appetite, bloating and bowel patterns.
Black or bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, pain waking you at night, severe chest pain, fainting or a persistent irregular heartbeat requires prompt medical care.
Stress-related symptoms often cluster around stressful events and ease afterward. Increasing frequency, pain waking someone at night or symptoms persisting independently of meals deserves reassessment.
