The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. Worldwide, 3 out of 5 people die of chronic inflammatory diseases including strokes, respiratory diseases, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. What’s worse, diseases associated with chronic inflammation are forecast to increase persistently for the next 30 years.
Firstly, What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural and necessary response by the body’s immune system to injury, infection, or other situations like operations. It’s a complex biological process that involves various immune cells, blood vessels, and signaling molecules working together.
Acute inflammation is a short-term response in one part of the body, and is usually beneficial for healing. Through the process of inflammation, the body eliminates the infection, clears out damaged cells, and triggers the repair process.
Common signs and symptoms of inflammation
- Pain: Inflammation often leads to localized pain as a result of increased blood flow, tissue swelling, and pressure on nerves.
- Swelling: Accumulation of fluid and immune cells in the affected area causes swelling or edema.
- Redness: Increased blood flow to the inflamed area can result in redness and warmth.
- Heat: The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding tissues due to increased blood circulation.
- Loss of Function: Inflammation can impair the function of the affected tissues or organs, leading to decreased mobility or function.
- Fatigue: Systemic inflammation, affecting the entire body, can contribute to feelings of fatigue and malaise.
- Fever: In response to infection or inflammation, the body may raise its temperature to create an environment less favorable for pathogens.
- Headache: Inflammation in the head or neck region can cause headaches.
- Stiffness: Inflammation can lead to stiffness in joints or muscles, particularly in conditions like arthritis.
Why is Chronic Inflammation Different?
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a prolonged and inflammatory response that’s out of control. It can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation harms the body and is associated with various health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
What Triggers Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation plays a role in many common diseases. These include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and joint diseases, allergies, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Several factors will make chronic inflammation worse.
- Persistent Infections: Chronic infections that the immune system cannot fully eradicate may lead to continuous inflammation.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation.
- Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants, toxins, or irritants can trigger chronic inflammation. For some very sensitive individuals this can include commonly used chemicals for cleaning houses, or even some toiletries.
- Stress: Chronic stress can influence the immune system and contribute to inflammation. From a medical point of view, stress means not just mental stress but also physical stress caused by infection, injury or operations.
Are there ways to reduce Chronic Inflammation?
The three main natural ways to reduce chronic inflammation are improve your diet, lose weight and get regular exercise. There are also helpful nutrients, popular herbal supplements, and commonly used anti-inflammatory diets.
