Inflammation
Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection. It's the process by which your immune system recognizes foreign or damaged cells in the body and activates cells, proteins, and hormones to remove the injury or infection and start the healing process.
The main signs of inflammation include:
- Redness - This occurs because the small blood vessels in the area dilate and fill with more blood. The purpose is to bring immune cells and clotting factors to the site faster.
- Heat - The inflamed area often feels warm or hot to touch. This happens as more blood circulates to the area.
- Swelling - Leaking fluids and influx of immune cells cause tissues to swell up. This helps isolate the injury and prevents further spread of pathogens or damage.
- Pain - Chemicals released by injured cells and immune cells sensitize nerve endings, causing pain signals. Pain limits use of the area to prevent further damage.
- Loss of function - The inflamed area becomes stiff, sore, and difficult to move due to swelling, pain, and muscle spasms. This encourages rest to promote healing.
Inflammation has an important protective role initially. But it needs to be controlled and resolved after healing begins. Chronic inflammation that persists can actually delay recovery and cause more tissue damage.
Some common causes of inflammation include:
- Injuries - cuts, burns, sprains, etc.
- Infections - bacteria, viruses, fungi
- Autoimmune reactions
- Exposure to toxins or irritants
- Chronic diseases - heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
While acute inflammation is a normal bodily response, chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases. Learning to manage inflammation through lifestyle measures like diet, exercise, stress relief, and appropriate medicines is key to reducing complication risks.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to discuss more on this important health topic.