Chronic inflammation is a long-term inflammation that lasts from several months to years. The severity and impact of chronic inflammation may vary depending on the cause of the injury and the body’s capacity to heal and reverse the damage. With time it adversely affects bones, joints, and muscles and may lead to serious problems such as arthritis and autoimmune disease.
The immune system naturally activates during an inflammatory response in order to protect against potentially harmful conditions. The body would be susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and other invaders without inflammation and the activation of inflammatory cells.
Inflammation can occur and last when it’s out of control. Chronic inflammation can result in various forms of arthritis, cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and dementia. Inflammation can cause chronic diseases if it persists for a long time. Injury, autoimmune disorders, smoking, obesity, alcohol, chronic stress, and untreated infection are the causes of chronic inflammation.
If you have pain, swelling, or any other symptoms of chronic inflammation, contact Specialty Care Clinics for quality treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION?
Symptoms of chronic inflammation include :
- Body pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Frequent infections
Several autoimmune diseases can develop when the immune system recognizes one’s own cells as foreign and begins to fight them off.
RISK FACTORS FOR CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
- Age :- Increased levels of numerous inflammatory molecules are positively linked with aging. Age-related factors such as an increase in visceral body fat, and mitochondrial malfunction are the cause of the age-related increase in inflammatory chemicals.
- Obesity :- According to studies, an endocrine organ, fat tissue secretes several adipokines and other inflammatory mediators. Some study reveals, a person’s body mass index is proportional to the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines released.
- Diet :- Saturated fat, trans-fats, or refined sugar are linked with higher production of pro-inflammatory molecules, especially with diabetes and overweight issues.
- Smoking :– Smoking reduces the anti-inflammatory molecules and induces inflammation.
- Stress :– Inflammatory cytokine release is linked to both mental and physical stress. Stress can also result in sleep disorders. A sleep disorder is also considered an independent risk factor for chronic inflammation since irregular sleep schedules are more likely to cause chronic inflammation than consistent sleepers.
WHAT TEST EVALUATES THE BODY’S INFLAMMATION?
It is difficult to accurately diagnose chronic inflammation in patients and diagnosis is only made when chronic inflammation occurs in association with another condition.
- Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) can reveal hypoalbuminemia and polyclonal increases in all gamma globulins (polyclonal gammopathy).
- Blood tests- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen are inexpensive. Although hs-CRP is a marker for inflammation and is high in acute inflammation caused by a recent injury or illness, it is not specific to chronic inflammation. Men’s and women’s normal serum levels of hsCRP are less than 0.55 mg/L and less than 1.0 mg/L, respectively. Fibrinogen levels should be between 200 and 300 mg/dl.
- An expensive procedure that may help identify the precise causes of chronic inflammation is the detection of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8).
Many people are unaware they have chronic inflammation until they are diagnosed with another condition.
HOW TO CURE INFLAMMATION?
Inflammation is a part of the healing process. To reduce your chance of long-term harm, you should try to control it when it becomes chronic.
- Lifestyle changes :- Reducing weight, being active, and keeping a healthy diet lowers inflammation.
- Supplements :- Fish oil, lipoic acid, and curcumin all have been associated with reduced inflammation. However, more research is needed. Several spices such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne are also helpful in reducing inflammation, but again more research is required.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) :- Over-the-counter NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation. However long-term use may result in conditions like peptic ulcer disease and kidney disease.
- Steroids :- Corticosteroids, a type of steroid hormone decreases inflammation and suppress the immune system when it starts attacking healthy tissue. However, its long-term use leads to high blood pressure, vision problems, and osteoporosis.
HOW TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION?
Changes in lifestyle and diet can reduce inflammation.
- Fighting inflammation is significantly impacted by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress. Keep your body moving- movement is key to reducing inflammation and improving mental health.
- Do exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Yoga and pilates are helpful in reducing stress.
- Include olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, and plenty of water in your diet. Avoid refined carbohydrates, fried foods, and processed meat.
- A high glycemic diet is linked with a high risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Some saturated and synthetic trans-fats increase inflammation and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are anti-inflammatory.
- Low levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to high dietary soluble and insoluble fiber intake.
- Nuts lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- One of the most anti-inflammatory dietary factors, magnesium is linked to decreased levels of hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha activity. As a result of its anti-inflammatory activity, vitamin D suppresses inflammatory mediators.
- Lower levels of TNF-alpha, CRP, and IL-6 are linked to a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids(fish oil).
- Avoid or quit smoking as it is pro-inflammatory.
- Limit your alcohol intake.