If you have an inflammation in your leg or elsewhere in your body, the signs will be obvious. Usually, this spot will have swollen, reddened and warm
Inflammation is a normal process of protecting the body, which occurs when white blood cells produce certain substances to protect the body from invaders. This release of chemicals increases blood flow to the area of injury or infection, resulting in redness and locally elevated temperature.
Therefore, the inflammatory reaction is evident (and beneficial) when it manifests itself in the healing of an injury or in the treatment of an infection. The fever that occurs in the case of the virus indicates that the immune system is trying to defend itself against the invader.
But in the case of chronic inflammation, the symptoms are not so clear-cut. Chronic inflammation is a generic term used to describe an inflammation, which can take months or years. Because it is "silent", it is also considered more dangerous, as it is difficult to detect.
What is chronic inflammation?
Simply put, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system is forced to work continuously. Substances that are constantly released by this process cause serious damage to cells.
The effects of chronic inflammation are many, from mood disorders, to depression, obesity, diabetes and cancer. Also, you are likely to feel tired all the time.
Many factors can cause chronic inflammation. A bad diet, with a lot of sugar and processed foods is not the best for your body. Obesity, alcohol, smoking and stress are considered to be aggravating factors. So too is exposure to toxic substances and inhalation of contaminated air. Oxidative stress and free radicals lead to inflammation and other serious problems.
An inflammation at some point in the body that was left untreated could develop over years. Infection by stroke or by viruses, bacteria, etc. it may prove to be the cause of a more serious condition such as chronic inflammation.
The case of autoimmune is reminiscent of the phrase "hen and egg". Autoimmune can cause chronic inflammation, but chronic inflammation can trigger autoimmunity.
The most reliable way to see if you have inflammation is to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. It is a blood protein that is raised during an inflammation.
But the key question is what are the signs that will motivate you to take the exam?
The most common symptoms
• If you are constantly tired, even when you are getting out of bed, you should look for it. Cells that have inflammation may not produce the energy you need.
• Digestive problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation may be due to an inflammatory bowel. If the toxins escape into the bloodstream, chronic inflammation is almost certain.
• Strange as it may seem, if you have a rubber band around your waist, you may have chronic inflammation. Belly adipocytes release inflammatory chemicals. Of course, belly fat doesn't mean you have years of inflammation, but it could put you in some thoughts for a checkup.
• High blood glucose levels, that is, high sugar, increase the number of inflammatory cytokines. It also increases the levels of advanced sweeteners (AGEs) that contribute to inflammation. AGEs are formed when protein or fat are combined with sugar and are considered to be pro-inflammatory.
• Skin problems are an indicator of inflammation. Eczema, psoriasis, redness are a sign that something is wrong with your body.
• Chronic allergies and their symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itching, etc.) can cause chronic inflammation.
• Swollen face and bags under the eyes can be a sign of chronic inflammation that is chronic.
• Persistent headaches, sudden mood swings, irritability may be due to chronic inflammation. Depression is one such indicator.
How to treat chronic inflammation
Conventional medicine treats inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, their long-term use can cause damage to the liver, stomach and kidneys.
Another class of medicines administered are corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system when attacking healthy tissues.
Unfortunately, when taken in mUnfortunately, when taken in large quantities or for an extended period of time they have serious side effects. Their effects range from the most "painless" to weight gain and reach up to bone degeneration, osteoporosis, hypertension, glaucoma, and more.
A physiotherapist can help you deal with the cause and not just the symptoms. The first thing to recommend is to limit inflammatory foods such as sugar. In addition, there are supplements and herbal remedies that fight inflammation.
However, the key is to change your lifestyle. Eat healthier, get enough sleep, find ways to relieve stress
Written by Dr Angel,
Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc c. Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
Πηγές:
Lee, V. Taneja et al, 2012, Cigarette Smoking and Inflammation, US National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261116/.
Keenan A. Walker, Rebecca F. Gottesman et al, 2019, Systemic inflammation during midlife and cognitive change over 20 years, AAN Publications, https://n.neurology.org/content/92/11/e1256.
Yun-Zi Liu, Yun-Xia Wang et al, 2017, Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases, US National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5476783/.
