What is inflammation?
Sometimes with autoimmune diseases, such as certain types of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, your immune system attacks healthy cells.
There are two main types of inflammation:
- Acute inflammation is usually short-lived (but often severe). It usually resolves in two weeks or less. Symptoms appear quickly. This type can restore your body to the state it was in before injury or illness.
- Chronic inflammation is a slower and usually less severe form of inflammation. It usually lasts more than six weeks. It can occur even in the absence of injury and does not always end when the illness or injury heals. Chronic inflammation has been linked to autoimmune diseases and even chronic stress.
symptoms of inflammation
- hot
- pain
- redness
- swelling
- loss of function
Your specific symptoms depend on where the inflammation is in your body and what's causing it.
Long-term inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your body in a variety of ways. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- body pain
- persistent fatigue and insomnia
- Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux
- weight gain
- frequent infections
Common symptoms of inflammation
Symptoms may also vary depending on conditions that have an inflammatory component.
For example, in some autoimmune diseases, your immune system affects your skin, causing a rash. In other types, it attacks specific glands, affecting hormone levels in the body.
In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks your joints. You may encounter:
- Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or loss of joint function
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- limited range of motion
In inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation occurs in the digestive tract. Some common symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- Stomach pain, cramping, or bloating
- weight loss and anemia
- bleeding ulcer
In multiple sclerosis, your body attacks the myelin sheath. This is the protective layer of nerve cells. You may encounter:
- Numbness and tingling on one side of your arm, leg, or face
- balance issue
- Double vision, blurred vision, or partial vision loss
- fatigue
- Cognitive problems, such as brain fog
causes of inflammation
- Chronic and acute diseases
- certain drugs
- Exposure to irritants or foreign objects that your body cannot easily remove
Repeated episodes of acute inflammation can also lead to chronic inflammatory responses.
There are also certain types of foods that can cause or worsen inflammation in people with autoimmune diseases.
These foods include:
- sugar
- refined carbohydrates
- Alcohol
- processed meat
- Trans fat
How is inflammation diagnosed?
blood test
There are so-called markers that can help diagnose inflammation in the body. However, these markers are nonspecific, meaning abnormal levels can indicate a problem, but not that there is anything wrong.
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE)
SPE is considered the best way to confirm chronic inflammation from a trusted source. It measures certain proteins in the liquid portion of the blood to identify any problems. Too much or too little of these proteins could point to markers of inflammation and other diseases.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
CRP is produced naturally in the liver in response to inflammation. You may have high levels of CRP in your blood due to a variety of inflammatory conditions.
Although this test is very sensitive to inflammation, it does not help differentiate between acute and chronic inflammation, as CRP is elevated during both. High levels combined with certain symptoms can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
The ESR test is sometimes called a sedimentation rate test. This test measures inflammation indirectly by measuring the rate at which red blood cells sink in blood tubes. The faster they sink, the more likely you are to develop inflammation.
ESR testing is rarely done on its own because it does not help pinpoint the specific cause of inflammation. Instead, it helps your doctor determine if inflammation is occurring. It also helps them monitor your condition.
plasma viscosity
This test measures the thickness of the blood. Inflammation or infection can thicken the plasma.
Other blood tests
If your doctor thinks the inflammation is caused by a virus or bacteria, they may order other specific tests. In this case, your doctor can discuss with you what to expect.
Other diagnostic tests
If you have certain symptoms—for example, chronic diarrhea or numbness on one side of your face—your doctor may order imaging tests to examine certain parts of your body or brain. MRI and X-rays are commonly used.
To diagnose inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, your doctor may perform a procedure that examines the interior parts of your digestive tract. These tests can include:
- colonoscopy
- sigmoidoscopy
- upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Sometimes, fighting inflammation is as simple as changing your diet. By avoiding sugar, trans fats, and processed foods, you can put yourself on the path to feeling better.
There are also foods that can actually fight inflammation.
anti-inflammatory foods
- berries and cherries
- Fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel
- broccoli
- avocado
- green tea
- Mushrooms, such as portobello and shiitake
- Spices, such as turmeric, ginger, and cloves
- tomato
You can further help reduce inflammation by doing the following:
- Take supplements. Your doctor can help you decide which is best and safest for you.
- Use heat or cold therapy on physical injuries to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage and reduce your stress levels. Try these 16 tips to get started.
- Quit smoking. These apps can help.
- Treat and manage any pre-existing conditions.
Other treatment options for inflammation
For general symptoms of inflammation, your doctor may recommend several options:
NSAIDs and aspirin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of defense for short-term pain and inflammation. Most can be purchased over the counter.
Common NSAIDs include:
- aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Prescription varieties also exist, such as diclofenac, which your doctor may prescribe to treat acute inflammation or certain medical conditions.
NSAIDs are very effective against inflammation, but some interactions and side effects can occur, especially with long-term use. Be sure to tell your doctor about other medications you are taking and if you have any side effects while taking NSAIDs.
corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of steroid commonly used to treat swelling and inflammation, as well as allergic reactions.
Corticosteroids usually come in the form of nasal sprays or oral tablets.
Talk to your doctor while taking corticosteroids. Long-term use can cause side effects and some interactions may occur.
Topical analgesics and other ointments
Topical analgesics are commonly used for acute or chronic pain. They may have fewer side effects than their oral counterparts.
Topical creams and products can contain different medications. Some are prescription only, so it's best to check with your doctor. This is especially true if you're dealing with long-term inflammation, such as arthritis.
Some topical medications contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen. This is helpful for people with inflammation and pain in specific body parts.
Other topical creams may contain natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties.
Be sure not to use topical creams that are only effective for pain, such as capsaicin.
