ADRELINE RUSH

Symptoms of an Adrenaline Rush

An adrenaline rush is the outcome of stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system part of the autonomic nervous system. When people feel that they are in danger--such as with encounters with vicious dogs--their bodies will take steps in order to help avoid injury and escape danger. These steps or symptoms are the body's way of dealing with heightened alarm or stress, which is known as the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the hormone adrenalin is released, allowing for certain physiological changes of the body.

Increase in Strength

1. The most apparent symptom of an adrenaline rush is the experience of an increase in strength and energy. This is due to catecholamines and corticosteroids (stress hormones) being pumped through the body. Upon the release of these hormones, the heart beats faster, allowing for a higher cardiac output. That, in turn, releases a high amount of energy.

Natural Painkillers

2. Endorphins (strong painkillers) are secreted into the bloodstream from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The endorphins give a person the ability to fight or flee even if the body has sustained an injury. For example, under the effect of adrenaline-induced endorphins, a person may be able to fight with a broken hand or run on a sprained ankle.

Boost of Energy

3. The body naturally stores sugar (glucose) and fat (lipids), and it releases the substances when the body needs energy in between meals. During an adrenaline rush, the sugar and fat stored in the body rapidly infuse into the bloodstream to provide a quick burst of energy. Cholesterol is also pumped into the bloodstream to maintain the energy once the level of blood sugar drops.

Blood Pressure, Breathing Rate, and Perspiration

4. Blood pressure increases during an adrenaline rush. So does the breathing rate, allowing for greater oxygen saturation to the muscles. When the muscles have more oxygen, they are more helpful in movement and fighting, and they'll be less likely to stiffen or cramp. Perspiration also increases to help with the cooling of overheated muscles.

Senses

5. The pupils of the eyes dilate to provide better vision to escape and avoid danger. Other awareness senses, such as hearing and touch, are also changed during an adrenaline rush. Hearing is enhanced, and the body becomes numb. That occurs to help a person endure cuts, scrapes and burns until he is out of danger.

Digestive System/Urinary System

6. The blood flow to the digestive system is reduced, ceasing digestion so that the blood can be directed to the muscles and brain. This increased blood flow to the brain and muscles enhances physical and mental response time. The urge to urinate and defecate increases so that infection won't occur if there is an abdominal injury.

7. During an adrenaline rush, people are as close as they'll ever be to having superhuman strength, speed and agility. There are reports of people lifting cars to rescue children trapped underneath and fighting with multiple gunshot wounds. Each occurrence is attributed to adrenaline, the hormone that changes the functions of the body when it's pumped at a high volume so that instinct and human physicality takes over in situations where slow and deliberate thought may fail.