Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. Our immune system is recognizing the damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens and it begins the healing process. When something is irritating or it is harmful to our bodies, then there is a biological response to try to remove it.
The signs and symptoms of this condition can be uncomfortable, but they mean that the body is trying to heal itself. The inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. The inflammation can be beneficial, such as when knees sustain a blow and tissues need care and protection.
But, in some cases, inflammation can persist longer than necessary, which is causing more harm than benefit. The symptoms of inflammation can vary, which depends on whether the reaction is acute or chronic. It often hurts when people have inflammation. People with inflammation will feel distressed, discomfort, stiffness, pain, and even agony, which depends on the severity of the inflammation.
The type of pain caused by inflammation can vary. The pain can be described as pinching, stabbing, throbbing, and pulsating or constant and steady. Primarily, inflammation is causing pain due to the swelling which pushes against the sensitive nerve endings. This is sending pain signals to the brain.
Inflammation: Symptoms
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The inflammation can be acute and chronic. Below are given the most common symptoms of both types of inflammation.
1. Acute Inflammation
The most common symptoms of inflammation include [1]:
Heat
It is noticed that more blood flows to the affected area, and this can make you feel warm to the touch. [2]
Swelling
This symptom is caused by a buildup of fluid. [1]
Immobility
In the region of inflammation, there can be some loss of function.
Redness
This symptom is happening because the capillaries in the area are filled with more blood than usual. [1]
Pain
The inflamed area can be painful, especially during and after touching. Chemicals that are stimulating nerve endings are released, which is making the inflamed area more sensitive.
These signs of acute inflammation only apply of the skin. The inflammation that happens deep inside the body, such as internal organs, can cause symptoms and just some of them can be noticeable. In some cases, some internal organs may not have sensory nerve endings, so there will be no pain, such in some types of lung inflammation.
2. Chronic Inflammation
The symptoms of chronic inflammation can be present in many different ways. The most common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Mouth sores
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
If you have noticed some of the above-mentioned symptoms of inflammation, then you need to talk with your doctor, so he or she can give you the right treatment.
Inflammation: Causes
There are different physical reactions that are triggered by the immune system in response to a physical injury or an infection and they lead to inflammation in the body. If you have inflammation, this does not mean that you surely have an infection. But, an infection can lead to inflammation. There are three main processes that happen before and during acute inflammation:
- It is noticed that small branches of arteries enlarge when they are supplying blood to the damaged region, which is resulting in increased blood flow.
- Also, capillaries are becoming easier for fluids and proteins to infiltrate, which means that they can move between blood and cells.
- Our bodies are releasing neutrophils. The neutrophil is a type of white blood cell which is filled with tiny sacs, which contain enzymes and digest microorganisms.
Acute inflammation is one that starts rapidly and it becomes severe in a short space of time. The signs and symptoms are normally only present for a few days, but they can persist for a few weeks in some cases. Also, there are situations, conditions, and diseases, which can result in acute inflammation, such as
- A physical trauma [2]
- Acute bronchitis [3]
- Sinusitis
- Infected ingrown toenail
- Infective meningitis
- A sore throat from a cold or flu [4]
- Tonsillitis [5]
- A scratch or cut on the skin
- Dermatitis
- Acute appendicitis [6]
- High–intensity exercise
References:
[1] Punchard NA, Whelan CJ, Adcock I. The journal of inflammation. Journal of Inflammation. 2004;1:1. doi:10.1186/1476-9255-1-1
[2] Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget. 2018;9(6):7204–18. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208
[3] Gompertz S, O’Brien C, Bayley DL, et al. Changes in bronchial inflammation during acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. European Respiratory Journal. 2001;17:1112-9
[4] Tavares LP, Teixeira MM, Garcia CC. The inflammatory response triggered by Influenza virus: a two edged sword. Inflammation Research. 2017;66:283–302.
[5] Bakar MA, McKimm J, Haque SZ, et al. Chronic tonsillitis and biofilms: a brief overview of treatment modalities. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2018;11:329–37. doi:10.2147/JIR.S162486
[6] Humes DJ, Simpson J. Acute appendicitis. BMJ. 2006;333(7567):530–4.
doi:10.1136/bmj.38940.664363.AE
