Inflammation

OVERVIEW: 

Inflammation is a process by which the body’s immune system identifies and removes harmful stimuli and facilitates healing. When a wound swells, turns red, and hurts, it could be due to inflammation. Inflammation is the immune system's reaction to an irritant. The irritant could be a germ, or it could be a foreign object, like a splinter in your finger. This means that inflammation does not begin when a wound is already infected with bacteria, oozing pus, or healing slowly. It starts when the body tries to fight the harmful irritants.

TYPES OF INFLAMMATION: 

There are two types of inflammation. 

• Acute inflammation: This is the type you are probably more familiar with. It is the reaction to sudden body damage, such as cutting your finger. To heal the wound, your body sends inflammatory cells to the site. These cells trigger the healing process. Depending on your condition, acute inflammation can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. 
• Chronic inflammation: This occurs when your body continues to send inflammatory cells in the absence of an external threat. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, inflammatory cells and substances attack joint tissue, resulting in intermittent inflammation. This can cause severe joint damage as well as pain. Chronic inflammation is a long-term condition that can last months or years.

SYMPTOMS OF INFLAMMATION: 

Symptoms of acute inflammation include: 

• Flushing of the skin at the site of injury 
• Tenderness or pain 
• Swelling 
• Heat 

Chronic inflammation symptoms may be more difficult to detect than the symptoms of acute inflammation. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can include: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Chest pain 
• Tiredness and/or insomnia 
• Fever, joint pain or stiffness  
• Mouth sores 
• Skin rash 
• Depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders 
• Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, constipation, acid reflux 
• Weight gain or loss 
• Frequent infections 

CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION: 

Different factors can cause inflammation. These are the most common: 

• Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 
• External injuries, such as scrapes or damage from foreign objects (for example, a thorn in your finger). 
• Effects of radiation or chemicals. 

Diseases or medical conditions may also cause inflammation. These include: 

• Dermatitis (a skin disease characterized by inflammation). 
• Bronchitis (an inflammation of the bronchi). 
• Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). 
• Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). 

RISK FACTORS: 

Inflammation can cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs in your body. Chronic inflammation, if left untreated, can increase your risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:  

Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is a rare but serious complication of inflammation. Chills, feeling extremely ill, and a high fever are all possible symptoms of this complication. Septicaemia can occur when bacteria multiply rapidly in a specific part of the body and then suddenly enter the bloodstream. This can happen if the body is unable to fight the infection locally, if the germs are highly aggressive, or if the immune system is severely compromised.  

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR: 

Septicaemia is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention from a doctor. 

If you have a serious injury, consult a doctor. Talk to a doctor if you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or any other symptoms. A healthcare professional can narrow down the cause and find ways to make you feel better. 

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS:  

Although there are many inflammatory markers, also known as acute phase reactants, the most common in clinical practice are C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma viscosity (PV), and procalcitonin (PCT). 

TREATMENT: 

Inflammation is not always treatable. Rest, ice, and proper wound care can often relieve acute inflammation within a few days. 

For chronic inflammation, you need treatment. Your doctor may advise you to take the following: 

• Supplements: Certain vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D) and minerals (zinc) may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Fish oil supplements may also help. Alternatively, you could use anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, or garlic. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter medicines reduce inflammation. Your doctor may suggest ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. 
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid shots reduce inflammation in a particular joint or muscle. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands, feet, shoulder, or knees, your doctor may give you a steroid shot in these joints. You should not receive more than three or four steroid injections in the same body part each year. 

LIFESTYLE & HOME REMEDIES:  

Inflammation can be reduced by following a natural diet. The foods recommended for an anti-inflammatory diet are: 

• Olive oil, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards. 
• Nuts such as almonds and walnuts. 
• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. 
• Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges. 

The foods listed below may worsen inflammation. Consequently, avoid eating:  

• Foods containing refined carbohydrates like sugar, pastries, and white bread. 
• Fried foods, including fast food. 
• Oils that have been highly refined and contain trans fat. 
• Nitrate-cured meats like hot dogs.