Inflammation is the immune system’s natural reaction to injury, infection, or irritation. The purpose of it is to help the body to eliminate the cause of the attack and promote healing.
Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Acute is a short-term reaction that typically lasts a few days. Chronic is a long-term response that can last from weeks to years. Chronic can lead to other health problems like arthritis, asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause, severity, and location. These are common symptoms:
- Redness – The affected area may become red.
- Swelling – The area may appear swollen or puffy.
- Heat – The affected area may feel warm when you touch it.
- Pain – can cause pain, which may range from mild to severe.
- Loss of function – may cause stiffness or limited range of motion in the affected area.
- Fatigue – chronic inflammation can cause fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell.
If an infection causes inflammation, you may experience fever, chills, or other symptoms. If in the digestive tract, it may cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Inflammation in the lungs may cause coughing or difficulty breathing.
Inflamed gut
This is a condition where the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed. The digestive tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon). An inflamed gut can also be acute or chronic. It can be caused by many factors like immune disorders, allergies, and environmental factors.
Chronic gut inflammation is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can cause long-term damage to the digestive tract and increase the risk of developing other health problems.
Symptoms of gut inflammation
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Fatigue
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms and dietary and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can be for example stress management and adding exercise. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove damaged tissue in the digestive tract.
Silent inflammation
It’s also known as chronic low-grade inflammation, a type that can occur in the body without causing noticeable symptoms. It’s called “silent” because it can go undetected for a long time, even though it can be heavily damaging.
“Silent killer” can be detected with laboratory testing. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate that you have inflammation. Read more about testing in Harvard Medical School’s article.
Reasons
Some factors and foods promote inflammation in the body:
- Processed and packaged foods
- Refined sugars
- Processed meat
- Dairy products – some people may be sensitive to dairy products, and consuming them may cause inflammation.
- Gluten – some people may be sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which can trigger inflammation in the body.
- Poor sleep
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
What silent inflammation can cause if not treated?
- Cardiovascular disease – can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease by damaging blood vessels and leading to the buildup of plaque, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes – can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer – increased risk of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer.
- Alzheimer’s disease – research suggests that chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Autoimmune diseases – can also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
How to treat?
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet – berries, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation. Avoiding processed and high-sugar foods, as well as unhealthy fats like trans and saturated fats, can also help.
- Exercise regularly – regular exercise reduces inflammation in the body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Manage stress – chronic stress can contribute to inflammation in the body. Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help.
- Get enough sleep – aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
- Consider supplements – omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and probiotics have anti-inflammatory effects.
- If you smoke, quit – smoking is a major source of inflammation in the body.
Note that not all chronic inflammation is silent and undetected. In some cases, it can cause noticeable symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems. If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment.