Inflammation is one of the body's most important defense mechanisms. When you get a cut, sprain an ankle, or develop an infection, your immune system responds by sending inflammatory cells and chemicals to the affected area. The resulting redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort are signs that your body is working to protect you and begin the healing process.
So, when we talk about inflammation contributing to health issues, the problem is not the inflammation itself, but rather when the inflammation does not switch off. When inflammation persists for months or even years, it can begin damaging healthy tissues instead of protecting them.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and other chronic diseases. The good news is that there are ways to help manage chronic inflammation. Lifestyle habits can make a meaningful difference, and medications may be appropriate when inflammation is caused by an underlying medical condition.
What are the signs of inflammation in the body?
Inflammation is usually considered to be either acute or chronic.
Acute inflammation is the short-term response you experience after an injury or infection. For example, if you cut your finger, your immune system responds quickly to protect the injured area and help your body heal. Once the threat is resolved, inflammation typically subsides.
Chronic inflammation is different. Instead of resolving after the initial problem is addressed, the inflammatory response continues. Chronic inflammation can affect healthy tissues and may contribute to tissue damage and disease over time. Sometimes chronic inflammation is related to an ongoing health condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Other factors, including smoking, chronic stress, poor sleep, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet, can also contribute to an inflammatory environment in the body.
Chronic Inflammation can affect virtually every system in the body. While inflammation is only one factor involved in disease, persistent inflammation is associated with a number of serious health problems.
Inflammation and heart health
Chronic inflammation can contribute to changes in the blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up inside arteries. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Inflammation and metabolic health
Chronic inflammation is associated with obesity and metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can help support metabolic health and reduce some of the factors that promote inflammation.
Inflammation and joint, muscle health
Inflammation plays a major role in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. It can contribute to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Inflammation and brain health
Inflammation is also being studied for its relationship with neurological and cognitive health. While the relationship is complex, chronic inflammation may contribute to processes involved in certain neurological diseases.
How can I reduce chronic inflammation?
You don't need to overhaul your entire life overnight to support a healthier inflammatory response. Small, consistent, sustainable habits can add up over time. You don't have to follow a perfect diet, exercise every day or eliminate every source of stress to support your health.
Instead, focus on the habits you can maintain.
Add another serving of vegetables to your meals.
Choose whole grains more often.
Take a walk after dinner.
Break up long periods of sitting.
Aim for a consistent sleep schedule.
Find a few healthy ways to manage stress.
Take medications exactly as prescribed.
Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting long-term anti-inflammatory medication or supplements.
Can medication help with inflammation?
Sometimes, yes. But treating inflammation is not as simple as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. The right medication depends on why inflammation is occurring and what part of the body is affected. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with certain conditions. However, long-term or high-dose NSAID use can increase the risk of problems including stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney damage, heart attack and stroke.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are another type of medication that can significantly reduce inflammation. They may be prescribed for conditions including asthma, autoimmune diseases, arthritis and certain skin conditions. Because corticosteroids can cause significant side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts, healthcare providers generally use them carefully and for the shortest appropriate duration. For chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, treatment may involve medications that target the underlying disease rather than simply treating pain. Depending on the condition, these may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic medications or other targeted therapies.
It's important to remember that more anti-inflammatory medication isn’t always better. If you regularly need medication for pain or inflammation, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the cause and the safest treatment approach.
What causes chronic inflammation?
Inflammation is often a symptom or consequence of another health issue. Simply trying to suppress inflammation without addressing its underlying cause may not be enough.
For example, inflammation associated with an autoimmune condition requires a different approach than inflammation caused by an injury. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate.
Inflammation is a normal and necessary part of the body's defense system. The goal isn't to eliminate inflammation completely, but to help your body maintain a healthy balance so that inflammation can do its job when you need it and settle down when you don't.
By taking care of the basics and working with your healthcare team to manage underlying health conditions, you can help protect your health today and for years to come.
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