Zoonoses and Stress:
The Link Between Animal-Borne Diseases and Psychosomatic Symptoms
Zoonoses, or diseases transmitted from animals to humans, are becoming increasingly common. As humans encroach further into natural habitats, they come into contact with a greater variety of animals and increase their risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Additionally, globalization and the international trade in animals and animal products can also facilitate the spread of these diseases. While some zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, have received widespread attention, many others go largely unnoticed.
One concerning aspect of zoonotic diseases is the range of symptoms they can cause. People who have been infected with a zoonotic disease may experience exhaustion, sweats, anxiety, concentration problems, joint and limb pain, arthritis, dizziness, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and more. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, as they are similar to those of many other illnesses. As a result, many people who experience these symptoms may be misdiagnosed or told that they are psychosomatic.
According to Andreas Schmidt, head of the Social Policy department of the DGB, in the area of health policy in North Rhine-Westphalia, the main causes of stress-related illnesses among employees are inhumane working conditions, pressure on wage earners, and fear of losing their jobs. This leads to an increase in the above-mentioned symptoms and are today responsible for the rapid increase in the above-mentioned symptoms. The German Trade Union and occupational medicine professionals classify these symptoms as psychosomatic.
However, some medical professionals suggest that these symptoms could be the result of undetected infections caused by animal-borne diseases. Hans Zinsser, a bacteriologist from the early 20th century, saw these symptoms caused by stress as not psychosomatic, but as a masked infectious cause. The so-called Brill-Zinsser disease means that the above-described symptoms are the late consequences of a bout of spotted fever. This subacute relapsing infection can certainly explain the diffuse symptoms of today’s stressed employees.
Meanwhile, immunologists are already discussing whether this can be considered evidence of undetected infections. These undetected infections would enable the human body to cope with the occupational stress of our time. However, today’s medicine, which looks for a panacea for the physical complaints of many people in psychosomatics, is not interested in this medical answer.
This is concerning because animal-borne diseases can have serious implications for human health. Mycoplasmas, Ehrlichia, Chlamydia, Borrelia, protozoa, helminths, Rickettsia, and other pathogens can trigger heart and vascular diseases, various autoimmune diseases, and inflammation, such as vasculitis. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, especially if they are misdiagnosed as psychosomatic illnesses.
Critics of mainstream medicine argue that it overlooks the potential role of zoonotic diseases in causing stress-related illnesses. Instead of addressing the root causes of these illnesses, mainstream medicine often treats the symptoms with medications or therapy. This approach may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues.
The implications of this link between zoonotic diseases and stress-related illnesses are significant. If medical professionals were to take a more holistic approach to treating stress-related illnesses, they may be able to identify and treat undetected infections caused by animal-borne diseases. This could help to improve the health of individuals who are suffering from these illnesses and reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases.
In conclusion, the link between zoonotic diseases and stress-related illnesses is a complex and underexplored area of medical research. While some medical professionals suggest that these illnesses could be caused by undetected infections, mainstream medicine often overlooks this possibility. However, by considering the potential role of zoonotic diseases in causing stress-related illnesses, medical professionals may be able to improve the health of individuals and reduce the spread of these diseases.
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