What is Inflammation?
The body’s natural response to damage, illness, or discomfort is inflammation. It is a complex process involving the activation of immune cells, releasing chemicals and hormones, and blood flow to the affected area. Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself and promoting healing, but it can also cause discomfort, pain, and swelling.
Inflammation comes in two flavours: acute and chronic. A quick injury or illness can cause acute inflammation, a temporary reaction. It is characterised by discomfort, heat, redness, and swelling and is typically gone in a couple of days or weeks.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a lengthy response that may linger for months or even years. It can result in tissue damage and the emergence of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It is frequently brought on by continuing or persistent infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying medical issues.
Rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, and lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and exercising frequently are just a few ways inflammation can be controlled or treated. More intensive treatment, such as surgery or immunosuppressive therapy, may be necessary in some cases.
White blood cells release substances during inflammation to defend your body from foreign intruders. As a result, the area of injury or illness receives increased blood flow. Warmth and redness may result from it. In addition, some of the chemicals lead to swelling in your tissues by causing fluid to flow into them. This defence mechanism may irritate the nerves and hurt them.
The following are the most typical causes of chronic inflammation:
- Illnesses where your body assaults good tissue, like lupus.
- Exposure to poisons, such as industrial chemicals or pollution.
- Acute inflammation that is not being treated, such as from an infection or wound.