Yes, stress can cause Still's disease. Still's disease, also known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, bones, and organs of the body. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that triggers inflammation in the body.
Research has shown that stress can increase inflammation in the body and lead to a range of health problems, including Still's disease. Stress can activate an abnormal immune response, which causes the body to produce an excessive amount of inflammatory proteins. These proteins can trigger inflammation in the joints and other tissues, leading to the symptoms of Still's disease.
Stress can also cause the body to produce too much cortisol, a hormone that plays a role in inflammation. In people with Still's disease, too much cortisol can increase inflammation, and make the disease worse.
Stress can also affect the body in other ways that may make Still's disease worse. For example, stress can cause insomnia, which can affect the body's ability to heal and repair itself. It can also lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which can negatively affect the immune system and lead to an increased risk of developing Still's disease.
Therefore, managing stress levels is an important part of managing Still's disease. Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can help to reduce inflammation and improve the body's ability to heal itself. It is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help keep inflammation under control and prevent the worsening of Still's disease.