What is chronic inflammation?
The inflammatory process means that the body is fighting against pests, for example, it is any pathology (trauma, infection, toxins) that hurts the body.
When a cell is damaged, the body produces defense chemicals, which is a kind of response of the immune system.
In order to protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies or proteins and sends them to the damaged area of the body.
In the case of acute inflammation (for example, a cut on the knee or a cold), this process takes place over several hours or days, however, in chronic inflammation, the body is engaged in a constant battle, constantly having to function in alarm mode.
Of course, chronic inflammation has a negative impact on the body and contributes to the development of many diseases.
Risk factors are:
- Untreated infection or trauma;
- Autoimmune disease in anamnesis;
- Staying for a long time in an environment where the air is polluted or there are industrial chemicals.
Note that these are risk factors and do not automatically mean that everyone will develop chronic inflammation for any of these reasons; However, in some clinical cases, the exact cause of chronic inflammation is unknown.
Some experts believe that tobacco, overweight, alcohol, and chronic stress play a role.
Symptoms
Acute inflammation causes noticeable symptoms, for example, the following signs are characteristic: pain, redness, swelling. However, symptoms characteristic of chronic inflammation are difficult to notice.
Common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- Fatigue;
- Body pain;
- Depression or anxiety;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Weight loss;
- Weight gain;
- Chronic infections.
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