15. Stress and Its Undeniable Connection
Let’s talk about stress. Yeah, that gnawing feeling we get before a presentation or when stuck in traffic. But did you know that stress has been shown to potentially trigger or exacerbate parotitis? It’s an angle you don’t hear much about but one that deserves attention.
Stress affects our body in numerous ways, from high blood pressure to sleep disturbances. One lesser-known effect is the impact on our salivary glands. Stress can change the composition of saliva, making it less effective in flushing away bacteria and other debris, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can play a role too. Elevated levels of cortisol can disrupt various bodily functions, including our immune response. So, a stressed individual might have a compromised defense against parotid gland infections, worsening the condition.
Some even argue that stress-induced behaviors like poor diet, lack of exercise, or tobacco use can indirectly contribute to parotitis. For example, a stressed individual might reach for sugary comfort foods, which in turn could affect oral health and by extension, the health of the parotid glands.
What does this mean for the average person? While we can’t eliminate stress entirely, being aware of its impact on conditions like parotitis may encourage us to manage stress better through lifestyle changes, thereby mitigating its effects. (15)
