What Is Adrenaline?
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also called as Epinephrine and is produced by the medulla of the adrenal glands that are situated above the kidneys and during any situation that creates stress, danger, or excitement, this hormone is secreted into the bloodstream that brings the required immediate reaction from the body (other systems).
It causes fast heartbeat, more blood flow to brain and muscles, relaxes the airway and increases usage of sugar as an energy source.
What Is Adrenaline Rush?
As mentioned, as soon as the body faces some stressful or threatening situation, adrenaline is released immediately and is called adrenaline rush. This occurs immediately and the reaction stops once the situation goes away.
Symptoms:
Once the adrenaline rush occurs (energy boost), the following can be felt:
1. Increased heart rate due to raised pumping of the heart and more blood flow.
2. Raised senses.
3. Fast breathing, to obtain more oxygen.
4. Sweating.
5. More strength and performance.
6. Pupil dilation to get more light.
7. Decrease in pain sensation.
8. Nervous feeling.
Adrenaline rush during night time: This can be caused due to dreams.
What Are the Causes of Adrenaline Rush?
Though adrenaline production is a common process, some activities may lead to adrenaline rush and can be any of the following situations:
1. Adventure activity that is daring like para jumping.
2. Watching a horror movie.
3. Exams or any stressful situation or anxiety.
4. Any extremely exciting event.
5. Loud noises.
6. Bright lights.
7. High temperatures, etc.
Pathologic causes may include:
1. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) like from combat or sexual assault and past memories may lead to adrenaline rush.
2. Any tumors on adrenal glands like pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.
Pathophysiology:
The initial emotional processing is done by the amygdala which then proceeds to the hypothalamus and finally from there to adrenal medulla that releases the hormone adrenaline, and the required action occurs and the symptoms can be observed.
After Effects of AR:
The effect of adrenaline can be there up to one hour after AR in the body. Once the adrenaline rush is over, then the body comes back to normal and during this, there can be a drop in sugar level that may lead to shaking in hands and weakness in legs.
Along with this, there can be sweating, feeling of light-headedness and temperature changes.
How to Stop or Control AR?
Though it is a defense mechanism and can give a good feeling, getting AR for a prolonged time may lead to some pathological conditions in time like increasing blood pressure, affecting blood vessels, even raises the risk of heart attacks or stroke. Also, it might lead to weight gain, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, etc.
Hence to control AR, try doing the following:
1. Yoga with deep breathing exercises.
2. Meditation.
3. Deep breathing exercises.
4. A healthy balanced diet.
5. Limited coffee and alcohol intake.
6. Avoid bright lights, mobiles, TV, etc., before sleeping.
7. Proper sleep.
Conclusion:
In case of stress or anxiety for long periods of time that disturbs the sleep cycle, one should consult a doctor. Similarly, if there is any tumor or PTSD, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Adrenaline rush is something great to feel but in excess, it can be dangerous too. Hence, it is advisable to seek medical guidance to get details about the same. Through online medical platforms, the patients can consult a physician right from their home and get guided about all the details that they require about any medical condition.