Inflammation

Introduction:

Inflammation is a vital part of the body's immune system. When the body encounters a foreign agent (such as viruses, bacteria, or toxic chemicals) or suffers an injury, it triggers the immune system. As a result, the immune system sends its first responders: inflammatory cells and cytokines (substances that encourage more inflammatory cells). These cells start an inflammatory response to entrap foreign agents or heal injured tissue, resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, or redness. Such an inflammatory response causes damage to the body's tissue. In some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system gets triggered without any foreign invasion, which results in inflammation. Here, the body attacks its cells, thinking they are abnormal.

How Does Inflammation Occur?

During an inflammatory response, the sequence of events varies depending on the type, size, cause of injury, and state of the body. The usual series of events is:

• The inflammatory response is initiated by injury or entry of pathogens.

• The small blood vessels in the area dilate to increase the blood flow.

• The vascular permeability to protein increases.

• Swelling results from the fluids moving into the tissues.

• Then the white blood cells like neutrophils and monocytes reach the tissue from the blood vessels.

• These white blood cells engulf and destroy the microbes.

What Causes Inflammation?

Many factors and conditions can cause inflammation. They are:

• Any infection or injury.

• Autoimmune disorders.

• Exposure to chemicals and other irritants.

• Smoking.

• Obesity.

• Alcoholism.

• Stress.

What are the Signs of Inflammation?

The cardinal signs of inflammation are:

Dolor (Pain) - As released chemicals stimulate the nerve endings in the inflamed area, the area is painful to touch.

Calor (Heat) - The warmth is due to increased blood flow to the area.

Rubor (Redness) - The inflamed area looks red as the capillaries in the area are filled with more blood.

Tumor (Swelling) - The fluid buildup causes swelling.

Function Laesa (Loss of Function) - There might be some loss of function as a result of lack of use due to pain.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation?

These signs are only seen in inflammation of the skin. Some of these signs might not be evident if the inflammation occurs in an internal organ. Apart from the signs, some symptoms are usually seen during chronic inflammation, depending on the affected organ or body part. The symptoms are-

• Fatigue.

• Fever.

• Rash.

• Joint pain.

• Chest pain.

• Pain in the stomach.

What are the Types of Inflammation?

The two types of inflammation are:

Acute Inflammation: Inflammation that starts rapidly and lasts for a few days to weeks is called acute inflammation. It is usually seen after injury or bacterial infection. Some of the examples are-

• Acute tonsillitis.

• Acute bronchitis.

• A scratch or bruise on the skin.

• Dermatitis.

• Sprained ankle.

• Acute appendicitis.

• Sinusitis.

• Infective meningitis.

• Any physical trauma.

Chronic Inflammation: Inflammation that lasts for months or years is called chronic inflammation. It is usually seen in pathogens that cannot be broken down, viruses or foreign body that stays in the body, or in cases of an overactive immune response or exposure to low levels of irritants over a long period. Some of the examples are-

• Chronic peptic ulcer.

• Asthma.

• Tuberculosis.

• Periodontitis.

• Hepatitis.

• Ulcerative colitis.

• Psoriasis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

How Is Inflammation Diagnosed?

Inflammation is generally diagnosed on physical examination. The redness, swelling, pain, heat, and restricted motion are characteristics of inflammation. Inflammatory diseases are diagnosed on the basis of physical examination, signs and symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays.

How Is Inflammation Treated?

Inflammation usually does not always require treatment. Home remedies and good wound care often relieve the discomfort in a few days for acute inflammation. However, for chronic inflammation cases, the healthcare professional may recommend the following treatments:

Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen.

• Corticosteroids like Prednisone.

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Azathioprine, and Cyclophosphamide.

• Biologic drugs like Infliximab, Etanercept, Tocilizumab, and Rituximab.

Home Remedies: Some useful ways to reduce long-term inflammation include:

• Keep a healthy weight.

• Get regular physical activity.

• Quit smoking.

• Limit alcohol.

• Manage stress.

• Take supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, white willow bark, or green tea. Magnesium and vitamins B6, C, D, and E also have anti-inflammatory effects. Talk with a healthcare professional before embarking on any supplement.

Surgery: Surgery is needed if the inflammation has severely damaged the joints. Common surgical procedures include:

• Arthroscopy: The surgeon makes small cuts around the affected joint and inserts thin instruments to fix tears, repair damaged tissue, or remove pieces of cartilage or bone.

• Osteotomy: The surgeon removes part of the bone near a damaged joint.

• Synovectomy: All or part of the joint's lining (called the synovium) is removed if it is inflamed or has grown too much.

• Arthrodesis: The procedure involves fusing bones permanently together with pins or plates.

• Joint Replacement: The surgeon replaces a damaged joint with an artificial joint made of plastic, metal, or ceramic.

What to Eat and Avoid During Inflammation?

1. Foods to Avoid During Inflammation:

Food that causes or aggravates inflammation are-

• Sugar.

• Trans fat.

• Refined carbohydrates.

• Alcohol.

• Vegetable and seed oils.

• Processed meat.

• Fried food.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Food:

Foods rich in antioxidants help reduce free radicals, which can cause inflammation. The following foods should be consumed-

• Vegetables.

• Fruits.

• Olive and coconut oil.

• Fatty fish like salmon.

• Nuts.

• Bell and chili peppers.

• Dark chocolate.

• Turmeric and other spices.

• Green tea.

Normally, acute inflammation improves with rest and specific treatment of the cause. Chronic inflammatory disease is detrimental to health and needs prompt evaluation and management.

Conclusion:

Inflammation is a vital part of the body's healing process. It typically occurs when inflammatory cells move to the place of an injury or foreign agents like bacteria. If these inflammatory cells stay too long, it may cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be a symptom of many health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The healthcare professional may recommend medications or at-home treatment. Surgery is necessary for severe inflammation. One can also reduce inflammation by consuming anti-inflammatory foods.