In order to cure itself, your body goes through a process known as inflammation to combat harmful substances such as infections, injuries, and toxins. When your cells are damaged, your body produces substances that set off an immunological reaction.
Antibodies and proteins are produced due to this reaction, and blood flow to the injured area is also boosted. Acute inflammation, such as that caused by a cut on the knee or a cold, can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
As a result, a persistent state of vigilance is created in your body, leading to chronic inflammation. Your tissues and organs may suffer as a result of long-term chronic inflammation. According to some studies, chronic inflammation may play a role in a wide range of illnesses, including cancer and stroke.
Let’s learn more about chronic inflammation, including the most prevalent causes and foods that may be able to help you combat it.
Symptoms of Inflammation
Acute inflammation occurs because of various symptoms, including pain, redness, and swelling. Chronic inflammatory symptoms, on the other hand, tend to be considerably less noticeable. They can be easily overlooked because of this. Chronic inflammation is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- The ache in the body
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Complications in the digestive system (diarrhea or constipation)
- Weight loss and gain
- Persistent infections
Symptoms can be moderate or severe and linger for months or years, depending on the severity.
What Causes Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- long-term exposure to irritants such as industrial chemicals or dirty air
- untreated causes of acute inflammation, such as an infection or injury
- an autoimmune illness in which your immune system attacks the healthy tissues
Remember that not everyone will experience inflammation as a result of these concerns. There are also situations of persistent inflammation where the underlying cause is not entirely known. Chronic inflammation is thought to be caused by various other variables, including Obesity, booze, smoking, and stress.
How Does Inflammation Affect Our Body?
Chronic inflammation can eventually cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs because of the body's inflammatory reaction. Damage to DNA, tissue necrosis, and internal scarring can occur over time.
They're all associated with various disorders, such as:
- Cancer
- Alzheimer's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type-2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Cognitive decline and dementia (in older adults)
Diagnosis of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can be detected in several ways. Inflammation can't be diagnosed on its own. C-reactive protein (CRP), which signals infections or inflammation throughout the body (such as in the joints), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), which suggests cardiac inflammation, are two appropriate beginning points for blood tests.
Many people don't realize they have chronic inflammation until they've been diagnosed with a different disease. It's a good idea to consult your doctor if you're suffering from any of the symptoms associated with inflammation. When it's time to get a diagnosis, they'll know where to start.
To Sum Up
Inflammation can increase your chances of several serious diseases. Before making any lifestyle changes, it's usually a good idea to talk to your doctor first.
Blood testing can help your doctor determine whether or not you have inflammation. They may also determine that you have a condition such as type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune disorder commonly associated with severe inflammation.