What Is Inflammation? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Inflammation

Inflammation is a biological process that acts as the body's first line of defense. It is a normal response of the body to foreign stimuli and indicates that the immune system is functioning well. When foreign and harmful substances enter the body, defense system elements are sent to the area to help protect other cells and eliminate damage. This defense and healing process can lead to certain symptoms, which may be mild or severe. Although inflammation usually occurs in the affected area, it can sometimes have invisible effects on other tissues. The digestive, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, immune, and metabolic systems can be targets of inflammation.

The inflammatory response aims to eliminate the source causing the injury and to repair or remove damaged cells. Inflammation is an important and necessary event for the body's regeneration and healing; however, when inflammation lasts longer than normal or becomes dysregulated, chronic damage can occur. This condition, called chronic inflammation, can play a role in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Inflammation may require home care practices, medication, supplements, and additional treatments.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's response to damage and is part of the natural defense mechanism. It is defined as the recognition and elimination of foreign and harmful substances by the immune system, followed by the initiation of the healing process. The immune system is a complex system consisting of cells that fight infection against foreign stimuli. This system is tasked with warning and protecting the body's other cells against foreign stimuli and healing damage.

Inflammation is a physiological response involving molecular and cellular chemicals, immune system cells, and blood vessels. Cells damaged due to internal and external causes stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules. This stimulation is the factor that initiates the inflammatory response. It is divided into two types based on the duration, form, and symptoms of the inflammatory response. The classification as acute or chronic inflammation is based on the following characteristics:

Acute inflammation: Starts rapidly and becomes severe within a short time. It can be caused by reasons such as sudden injury, trauma, or microbial invasion. It can last for a few hours to a few days.

Chronic inflammation: It is a slow and long-term inflammation that lasts for months or years. The inflammatory response may continue even if there is no danger in the body. It may appear and worsen occasionally. In chronic inflammation, damage can occur in body tissues.

The 2-6 week period between acute and chronic inflammation is called subacute inflammation.

What Are the Symptoms of Inflammation?

Symptoms of inflammation can vary depending on the acute or chronic profile. Acute inflammation symptoms usually develop faster and are of noticeable severity. When tissue is injured or damaged, small blood vessels constrict rapidly and temporarily, then dilate, causing an increase in blood flow to the area. This process can last from 15 minutes to several hours. Blood vessels become more permeable than normal, and substances such as antibodies and clotting factors accumulate in the area. These acute inflammation findings, which are necessary and beneficial for the body, can be uncomfortable. These findings often include:

Color changes in the skin,

Redness,

Fever,

Pain and tenderness in the injured area,

Swelling,

Edema,

Skin that feels warm to the touch,

Decreased range of motion in the affected area.

Chronic inflammation symptoms progress more slowly compared to the acute form and may not be noticed immediately. Unlike acute inflammation, short-lived cells are replaced by important defense elements such as lymphocytes and macrophages. These primary inflammatory cells infiltrate the tissue area, produce enzymes, and cause the progression of tissue damage. Commonly seen symptoms of chronic inflammation are:

Chronic fatigue,

Body aches,

Joint pain,

Insomnia,

Weight loss or weight gain,

Frequent infections,

Diarrhea or constipation,

Digestive system complications,

Mouth sores,

Skin rashes,

Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Chronic inflammation can affect the stomach, intestines, heart, musculoskeletal system, immune system, and nervous system, causing various findings.

What Causes Inflammation?

Causes of inflammation can be endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external). The acute inflammation profile can occur due to various reasons. These are mainly:

Foreign body injury,

Burns and frostbite,

Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections,

Allergens,

Irritants,

Toxins,

Alcohol,

Radiation,

Inappropriate immunological responses,

Tissue death,

Acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents.

The most common cause of acute inflammation is infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses.

Resistant bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites,

Long-term exposure to irritating industrial chemicals,

Long-term and excessive use of alcohol and tobacco products,

Obesity,

Low or no physical activity,

Unhealthy diet,

Congenital defects that mediate inflammation,

Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, etc.),

Frequent recurrent acute infections,

Chronic stress,

Disruption of gut flora balance,

Disruption of sleep patterns and circadian rhythm,

Biochemical and inflammatory inducers (oxidized lipoproteins, homocysteine, etc.).

Chronic inflammation can arise from various diseases in terms of pathology and can lead to diseases. It may be responsible for cases of heart, brain, joint, liver, stomach, and intestinal inflammation.

How Is Inflammation Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of inflammation can mainly be provided through the presence and severity of symptoms, physical examination, tests, and medical history. Factors such as the patient's current injury and trauma status, congenital or acquired diseases, family history, medications used, and environmental conditions must be considered. In addition, some tests that help with definitive diagnosis may be preferred. The acute and chronic inflammation test involves measuring inflammatory markers in the body. These markers can be considered as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, proinflammatory cytokines, and serum proteins. The tests evaluated within the scope of diagnosis can be given as follows:

C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP, synthesized in the liver, has levels below 5 mg/L in the blood. CRP production may increase in cases of infection, surgery, chronic inflammation, and major trauma. While CRP is seen in the 10-40 mg/L range due to mild inflammation and viruses, it reaches 40-200 mg/L levels in the presence of bacterial infection. In burns and more severe bacterial inflammation, the CRP value can exceed 200 mg/L.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): It is a non-specific marker and can be affected by conditions such as pregnancy, anemia, obesity, and aging. It can rise in the first 24-48 hours of inflammation in the body and may show a gradual decrease.

Procalcitonin: It is a precursor of the calcitonin hormone and usually has values below 0.1 ng/mL. PCT can increase in the bloodstream during infection and inflammation. It can also be used to distinguish between viral or bacterial sepsis.

Proinflammatory cytokines: It is the measurement of proteins that mediate inflammation such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-8. It can be used to identify specific sources causing chronic inflammation.

How Is Inflammation Treated?

Inflammation may not always require treatment. Especially acute inflammation treatment may include home care practices and medications. With these approaches, acute inflammation may subside and show improvement within a few days. Approaches such as resting the inflamed area, applying cold compresses every few hours, and ensuring wound care are recommended. Chronic inflammation treatment, on the other hand, can be more comprehensive. Chronic inflammation treatment can be carried out in the form of lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. Weight loss and maintaining an ideal weight have an important place in reducing chronic inflammation. The methods included in the treatment options can be listed as follows:

Physical activity: Exercise can reduce many proinflammatory cytokines and molecules, independently or in association with weight loss.

Anti-inflammatory diet: It features a diet with a low glycemic index, rich in dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and limited in trans fats and saturated fats. There are foods and nutrients in the body that fight inflammation. Blueberries, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cherries, Brussels sprouts, apples, green and black tea, which contain polyphenols, natural antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, can show protective effects against inflammation. Turmeric containing curcumin, fatty fish containing omega-3, nuts, ginger, and whole grain products can be included in the diet. Micronutrients such as vitamin E and D, selenium, magnesium, and zinc show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Diets high in salt and sugar, containing processed meats and fried foods, should not be preferred. In addition, probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be used under doctor supervision as part of the treatment for intestinal inflammation. In the presence of inflammation in the stomach, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates, and high-fat foods should be avoided.

Medication: Drug groups such as corticosteroids, statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and metformin can be prescribed depending on the location of the inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Inflammation is the body's immune response to harmful or foreign substances. In a healthy human body, short-term inflammation is the first step of healing and is a normal process. Immune system cells, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules are active in the formation of inflammation. Inflammation can be seen in bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, cancers, lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and digestive system diseases such as Crohn's and inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation has 5 basic markers: redness, increased heat, swelling, loss of function, and pain. It can also manifest itself as chronic fatigue, frequent infections, fever, body and joint pain, mouth and skin sores/rashes, diarrhea or constipation, weight changes, mood disorders, and insomnia. The presence of inflammation can be understood by measuring values such as CRP, ESR, procalcitonin, and proinflammatory cytokines in blood tests. Inflammation occurs in the area where underlying diseases, injury and trauma, toxicity, and infection are located. It can also occur chronically as inflammation in the heart, liver, lungs, brain, joints, intestines, and stomach. Inflammation values are measured through various tests. They can be presented as routine or expensive tests. Within the scope of blood tests, indicators such as procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a, and IL-1 beta can be measured. Chronic inflammation is a condition where the inflammation occurring in the body lasts for months or years. It can progress slowly and have long-term consequences. It is seen as a state of constant inflammation even if there is no trigger. Long-term inflammation can damage healthy tissues and organs, and serious complications can occur. Inflammation can be reduced by methods such as maintaining an ideal weight and losing excess weight, regular physical activity, stress management, adequate and balanced nutrition, home care practices, rest, and the use of medication and supplements. Usually, acute inflammation can pass on its own within a few days. During this recovery period, rapid healing can be achieved with the right care and treatment approaches. Factors such as frequently recurring infections and underlying health problems can cause persistent inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a normal stage of the body's immune response. Therefore, inflammation can occur whenever body cells are in danger. Inflammation may recur in people exposed to various risk factors, but this is normal. Conversely, resistant and more frequent than normal inflammation can become chronic and lead to damage. For inflammation, specialists in the infectious diseases department should be consulted. However, depending on the area where the inflammation occurs, help can be obtained from specialists in internal medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and rheumatology departments.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, fatigue, digestive problems, or recurrent infections that have not gone away for a long time in your body, there may be an underlying chronic inflammation. Early diagnosis is of great importance in terms of preventing possible complications.

Comprehensive evaluation, advanced examinations, and personalized treatment plans for the cause of inflammation are offered by our specialist physicians in infectious diseases.

You can contact us to get detailed information and to schedule an appointment.