What are the possible effects of stress on the body?

Chronic stress can cause many symptoms, including susceptibility to infection, depressed wound healing, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. Chronic stress can increase the probability of developing a chronic disease and will eventually shorten a person's lifespan. The first phase is referred to as the alarm phase, or the flight-or-fight response, which is the immediate short-term response to stress. The second phase is the resistance stage, which is initiated by the release of hormones from the hypothalamus. These hormones cause the release of hormones from other glands, which release lipids from the fatty tissue and amino acids from the skeletal muscles and finally the conservation of body fluids. The third phase is the exhaustion phase, which can lead to damage of the organs and organ systems. Death can result if stress isn't dealt with appropriately.