Inflammation is one of the most critical aspects of the body's immune system. It can be both acute and chronic. It can be accompanied by pain, swelling, heat and much other symptoms. Treatment options can be based on the root reason.
The body can create cells to defend itself against foreign invaders, such as an irritant, a thorn, or a pathogen. Pathogens are viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause infection.
Sometimes, the human body believes that its own tissues or cells are harmful. This can result in immune-mediated diseases, like type 1 diabetes.
Experts believe that inflammation can cause a variety of chronic illnesses. Examples include metabolic syndrome. It covers type 2 heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Patients with these conditions typically have higher levels of inflammation markers in their bodies.
The article below will learn more about the reasons why inflammation occurs as well as its signs and the best ways to treat it.
The types and symptoms
There are two kinds of inflammation: chronic and acute.
Acute inflammation
A calf injury or illness could result in acute or temporary inflammation.
Five key indicators that indicate acute inflammation
- Pain The pain can occur in a continuous manner or just after a person has touched the area affected.
- Redness is the result of increased capillaries' blood supply within the area.
- Inability to function The patient may experience problems moving joints and breathing, sensing smell, and so on.
- Swelling: A condition called edema can develop if fluid builds up.
- Heat A rise in blood flow can cause the affected area to become hot to the touch.
The signs may not be evident. Sometimes, inflammation can be “silent,” without symptoms. One might also feel tired or generally unwell and be sick with fever.
Acute inflammation symptoms last for a few days. Subacute inflammation lasts for 2 to 6 weeks.
Chronic inflammation may last for years or months. It may be linked to a variety of diseases including:
- Diabetes
- heart disease (CVD)
- arthritis and other joint conditions
- Allergies
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- psoriasis
- rheumatoid arthritis
The symptoms can vary based on the illness, but they could include pain or fatigue.
Measurement of inflammation
If there is inflammation within the body it will result in higher levels of the substances known as biomarkers.
C-reactive proteins (CRP) are a good example of a biomarker. If a physician wants to check for inflammation, they could test CRP levels.
CRP levels are generally higher in people over the age of 50 and those suffering from conditions like obesity and cancer. Diet and exercise can help.
Causes
Inflammation can occur because a physical cause causes an immune response. It is not always a sign that there's an infection. However, an infection can trigger inflammation.
Acute inflammation
An acute inflammation can occur due to:
- the exposure of a material like a sting from a bee or dust
- an injury
- An infection
If the body senses an infection or damage The immune system initiates various responses:
- The plasma proteins in tissues accumulate which cause a build-up of fluid which results in swelling.
- In the body, neutrophils are released. which is a kind of white blood cells, or leukocyte, that are able to move towards the area affected. Leukocytes contain a variety of molecules that assist in the fight against pathogens.
- The blood vessels in small blood vessels grow so that leukocytes and plasma proteins be able to reach the area of injury more quickly.
The signs of acute inflammation may be noticed within a few hours or days dependent on the reason. In some instances they may quickly become serious. How they develop and the duration of their effects will be contingent upon the cause of them, the area of the body they affect, as well as individual circumstances.
A few causes and infections that could trigger acute inflammation are:
- acute bronchitis and appendicitis and other diseases ending with “-itis”
- an ingrown toenail
- Sore throats caused by an illness like a cold or flu
- Physical trauma or a wound
Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation can occur when a person suffers from:
- Sensitivity Inflammation can occur when the body detects something that isn't in the body. The body's hypersensitivity to triggers external to it can cause an allergic reaction.
- Exposure Long-term exposure at a low level to an irritant, like an industrial chemical, may cause chronic inflammation.
- Autoimmune diseases The immune system is mistakenly attacking healthy tissues, which is common in the case of psoriasis.
- Diseases that cause autoinflammation Genetic factors influences how the immune system functions such as in Behcet's disease.
- Chronic acute inflammation In some instances the patient may not completely recuperate from an acute inflammatory which may result in chronic inflammation.
Factors that can increase the chance of chronic inflammation are:
- older age
- obesity
- A diet high in unhealthy fats, and sugars. sugar
- smoking
- Low testosterone levels in sex
- stress
- Sleep issues
The long-term conditions that are attributed to inflammation are:
- asthma
- chronic Peptic ulcer
- tuberculosis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- periodontitis
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- sinusitis
- Hepatitis A is active
Inflammation plays an essential part in healing, however chronic inflammation can make it more likely to develop a variety of ailments, including cancer such as rheumatoid and rheumatoid arthritis as well as periodontitis and hay fever.
Chronic or acute inflammation?
The following summarizes some key differences between acute and chronic inflammation.
Acute
- Cause: Harmful pathogens or tissue injury.
- Onset: Rapid.
- Duration: A few days.
- Outcomes: Inflammation improves, or an abscess develops or becomes chronic.
Chronic
- Cause: Pathogens that the body cannot break down, including some types of viruses, foreign bodies that remain in the system, or overactive immune responses.
- Onset: Slow.
- Duration: From months to years.
- Outcomes: Tissue death, thickening, and scarring of connective tissue.
It is essential to identify and manage inflammation and related diseases to prevent further complications.
Common treatment
The treatment of inflammation is contingent on the cause and the severity.
When it comes to acute inflammation, a physician can prescribe treatment to treat the underlying cause, symptoms, or both.
Acute inflammation
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are not able to eliminate causes of inflammation however, they can ease the symptoms of swelling, pain as well as fever and other signs. They do this by blocking an enzyme responsible for inflammation.
The most common NSAIDs are naproxen ibuprofen and aspirin.
It is recommended only to take NSAIDs in the long term if a doctor suggests them, because they could cause adverse reactions. Aspirin isn't recommended for youngsters.
For pain relief
Acetaminophen such as paracetamol and Tylenol is a pain reliever but it doesn't reduce inflammation. These drugs permit inflammation to continue to play a role in healing.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids such as cortisol, are hormones that alter various mechanisms that are involved in inflammation.
Corticosteroids can be helpful in managing various ailments, such as:
- arthritis
- systemic Lupus
- asthma
- sarcoidosis
Corticosteroids used for long periods of time can cause harm. A doctor can offer advice about the potential risks and advantages.
Treatment for illnesses that cause chronic inflammation will be based on the severity of the problem.
Certain medications can repress the body's immune response. They can ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis Psoriasis, as well as other auto-immune reactions. However, they could cause a body to be less equipped to fight an infection if it happens.
Patients who have had transplant surgery should also be on immunosuppressant medication to stop their bodies from rejecting their new organs. They also require extra care to prevent exposure to diseases.
Herbs to treat inflammation
A variety of herbal supplements, like the ones below, have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties
- ginger
- turmeric
- cannabis
- Hyssop
- Harpagophytum procumbens
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not accepted these herbs for use in medicine. Therefore, one should consult with a doctor prior to taking any herbal or other supplements.
Anti-inflammatory diet
Certain foods are rich in minerals that can aid in reducing inflammation.
They comprise:
- olive oil
- high-fiber foods
- tomatoes
- nuts, like almonds and walnuts
- fat fish, like salmon and sardines
- Fruits, including oranges and blueberries
It isn't enough to manage the inflammation. However, making appropriate choices can help to prevent the condition from becoming worse.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions on inflammation.
Five symptoms of inflammation?
The five symptoms of acute inflammation include:
- Pain
- redness
- swelling
- Heat
- Loss of function
What are the main sources of inflammation?
Three possible causes of acute inflammation include:
- injury
- Infection
- the exposure to a substance for example, a bee sting
How can one rid their inflamed body?
The treatment for inflammation can depend on the root cause. However, individuals can implement measures such as taking a anti-inflammatory diet or taking herbal supplements such as turmeric or ginger.
What is the most efficient method to flush out inflammation?
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin can speedily relieve signs of inflammation, including swelling and pain. However, this method cannot eliminate the source of inflammation.
Summary
Inflammation is an aspect of the process through which your immune system defends your body against harmful substances, like viruses and bacteria.
Acute inflammation is caused by infection, injury, or exposure to substances and manifests as redness, pain, swelling, loss of function, and even heat.
Chronic inflammation or long-term, but it can also cause or result from certain life-threatening illnesses. It can be linked to a variety of ailments, including heart issues, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
Treatments for chronic and acute inflammation include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, pain relief, and immunosuppressing medicines. Dietary supplements and herbal remedies can help in relieving inflammation-related symptoms.