Dec. 19, 2023 | Inflammation is part of the human body’s defense mechanism. It is the process by which the immune system recognizes and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process. When your body encounters an offending agent, such as a virus or toxic chemicals, or suffers an injury, it activates your immune system. Your immune system then sends out its first responders, inflammatory cells and cytokines, substances that stimulate more inflammatory cells. These cells begin an inflammatory response to trap bacteria and other offending agents or start healing injured tissue. The result can be pain, swelling, bruising or redness. But inflammation also affects body systems you can’t see. If your body sends out inflammatory cells when you are not sick or injured, you may have chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can persist for months or years and is a contributing factor to more than half of deaths worldwide.

Dec. 19, 2023 | There are two types of inflammation, the process by which your body’s white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Acute inflammation is the response to sudden body damage, such as cutting your finger. To heal the cut, your body sends inflammatory cells to the injury. These cells start the healing process. Acute inflammation goes away within hours or days. Chronic inflammation occurs when your body continues sending inflammatory cells even when there is no outside danger. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis inflammatory cells and substances attack joint tissues leading to an inflammation that comes and goes and can cause severe damage to joints with pain and deformities. Chronic inflammation can last months or years, even after the first trigger is gone. Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

Dec. 19, 2023 | The symptoms of acute inflammation can range from redness, joint pain and stiffness or a joint that doesn’t work as well as it should. A swollen joint that may be warm to the touch is a sign of possible inflammation. Inflammation may also cause flu-like symptoms such as chills, headaches, loss of appetite or muscle stiffness. When it comes to chronic inflammation, the symptoms may be harder to spot as they can be similar to other conditions. The most common reasons for chronic inflammation include autoimmune disorders like lupus and exposure to toxins like pollution or industrial chemicals. Abdominal or chest pain, joint pain or a skin rash are early signs of possible chronic inflammation. Unexplained fatigue or fever are other possible symptoms of chronic inflammation. Some lifestyle factors can contribute to inflammation in the body. You are more likely to develop chronic inflammation if you drink alcohol to excess, if you smoke or you’re obese.

Dec. 19, 2023 | When it comes to treating inflammation, rest, ice and good wound care often relieve the discomfort in a few days. If you have chronic inflammation, your physician may recommend several options. Certain vitamins and supplements may reduce inflammation and enhance repair. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, lower inflammation. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen are among the most commonly used for inflammation. Corticosteroid shots decrease inflammation at a specific joint or muscle. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your back, your physician may give a steroid shot in your spine. You should not have more than three to four steroid injections in the same body part per year. Surgery may be necessary if the inflammation has severely damaged your joints. These procedures can range from repairing damaged tissue to replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one.

Dec. 19, 2023 | The things you eat and drink can play a role in inflammation. Some research has shown that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have lower levels of inflammation in their bodies. Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties include oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon or sardines, leafy greens like spinach and kale, olive oil and tomatoes. Eating too much of certain foods may increase inflammation. If you have chronic inflammation, you may feel better if you avoid fried foods, including many fast food items, cured meats with nitrates, such as hot dogs and refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, pastries or white bread. You can also decrease your risk of chronic inflammation by adopting healthy lifestyle habits like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding or quitting smoking. Exercising three to five times a week, limiting your alcohol intake and managing your stress through medication or journaling are also recommended.