Inflammation
Inflammation is your body's protective response to irritation, injury, or infection. It's characterized by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function. When something harmful happens in your body, your immune system releases chemicals that trigger inflammation to isolate and destroy the harmful stimuli, remove damaged tissue, and initiate healing.
There are two main types of inflammation:
- Acute inflammation happens quickly and intensely in response to injury or infection but goes away once the harmful stimuli is removed. Signs include redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
- Chronic inflammation persists over longer periods of time, leading to progressive tissue damage. It's associated with diseases like arthritis, IBD, and asthma.
Inflammation serves the important purpose of protecting and healing the body, but too much can cause harm:
- Acute inflammation helps destroy invaders, but excessive levels can damage healthy tissue.
- Chronic inflammation reflects an uncontrolled inflammatory response that leads to persistent tissue destruction over time.
What causes inflammation?
Inflammation starts with the immune system. When immune cells detect injury or invasion, they release chemicals like histamine and cytokines that dilate blood vessels and attract specialized white blood cells to the site. These cells kill microbes, remove debris, and stimulate healing.
Common triggers of acute inflammation include:
- Infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi
- Burns, frostbite, or other tissue injuries
- Foreign objects like splinters
Chronic inflammation often results from:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Exposure to irritants like industrial chemicals
- Idiopathic causes (unknown origins)
How is inflammation treated?
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen to inhibit inflammatory chemicals
- Immunosuppressants for autoimmune and chronic inflammation
- Antibiotics for underlying infections
- Lifestyle changes like improved diet and stress reduction
By understanding the causes, signs, and solutions for excessive inflammation, you can help your body heal and stay balanced. Visit Horizon Wellness Clinic for more information on managing inflammation and related health conditions.