Our body's immune system is made up of a complex network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies), and metabolites. By identifying and reacting to antigens, our bodies are protected against potentially harmful substances and foreign agents. Toxins, chemicals, medications, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) are examples of non-living antigens. The immune system identifies and eliminates, or attempts to destroy the antigen-containing compounds.
When our body comes into contact with an invading organism (such as bacteria, viruses, or harmful substances) or sustains an injury, it stimulates our immune function. This is when our immune system's initial responses, inflammatory cells, and cytokines, are activated (substances that stimulate more inflammatory cells).
This inflammatory response is to capture pathogens like bacteria and viruses or to mend wounded tissue. As a result, you may have discomfort, swelling, bruising, or redness. However, inflammation has an impact on biological systems that are not visible.
Inflammation is classified into two types: acute and chronic.
Acute inflammatory response:
Acute inflammation is the body's way of responding to an injury. Your body sends immune cytokines to the wound to mend it. This commences the healing procedure.
Chronic inflammatory response:
Even when there is no external threat, your body continues to produce inflammatory cells. In rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, inflammatory cells and chemicals assault joint tissues, causing intermittent inflammation.
What are the signs and symptoms of inflammation?
· Skin flushed at the location of the injury
· Tenderness or pain in the body
· Swelling of certain parts
· Pain in the abdomen
· Chest pain
· Fever and fatigue
· Joint ache or stiffness (For instance, rheumatoid arthritis)
· Sores in the mouth
· Rashes on the skin
· Headaches
· Appetite loss
· Muscle tenseness
Nevertheless, these indicators are not always visible, and occasionally inflammation is quiet, with no signs, in which a person may feel weary and typically unwell. Inflammation, according to experts, may have a role in a wide spectrum of chronic disorders. Examples include insulin resistance, which encompasses type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and overweight. People with these conditions frequently have greater amounts of proinflammatory cytokines in their systems.
What are the primary factors that cause inflammation?
The following are the most typical causes of chronic inflammation:
· Toxin exposure: such as pollution, solvents from industries, and radiations.
· Autoimmune disorders: Lupus is an example of an autoimmune condition in which your body assaults healthy tissue.
· Untreated acute inflammation: including that caused by an infection or an accident.
You are more prone to persistent inflammation if you:
· Consume an excessive amount of alcohol (Daily alcohol consumption)
· Have a high BMI rate
· Excessive exercise or do not move your body enough
· Suffer from persistent stress
· Have a habit of smoking
Diagnosis of inflammation
There is no one test that can identify inflammation or the circumstances that produce it. Instead, your healthcare professional will determine whether tests are necessary depending on your symptoms.
· Examinations of the blood
A few indicators can aid in the diagnosis of the body's inflammation. However, because these indicators are vague, excessive levels might indicate that there's something wrong but would not show the exact result.
· Serum Proteins Electrophoresis (SPE)
SPE is regarded as the most reliable method of confirming chronic inflammation. It detects problems by measuring specific proteins in the liquid section of the plasma.
· C-reactive protein (CRP)
In reaction to inflammation, the liver normally produces CRP. An increased level of CRP in your blood can be caused by a variety of inflammatory disorders.
· Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
The ESR test is also known as a sedimentation rate test. This test evaluates inflammation indirectly by determining the speed at which red blood cells sink in a blood tube. The faster they sink, the greater chances are that you are suffering inflammation.
· The viscosity of plasma
This test assesses the thickness of the blood. Inflammation or infection can lead plasma to swell.
Moreover, there are also Imaging Modalities that can detect inflammation such as Ultrasound with power doppler, FDG PET-CT, and MRI. The degree of symptoms and the exact disease or sickness determine how inflammation should be treated. Rest, ice, and appropriate care can typically alleviate acute inflammation within a few days. If you have persistent inflammation, your doctor may advise you to take supplements such as vitamins (A, C, and D) and supplements (zinc) which may decrease inflammation and improve the healing process.
How can inflammation be prevented?
You may reduce your risk of chronic inflammation by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Here are some basic tips to prevent inflammation:
· Acquiring and maintaining healthy body weight.
· Smoking cessation or reduction.
· Daily exercise or walk of 15-20 minutes
· Stress management techniques such as counseling, mediation, and yoga
· Daily intake of ginger and / or turmeric herbs
If you experience any signs or symptoms of inflammation, you should call your doctor right once. He or she will suggest that you take an inflammatory diagnosis test based on your symptoms and history. While inflammation is a typical immune system reaction, it can be harmful over time.