Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to an injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
When tissues in the body are injured, such as from a cut or burn, the immune system releases chemicals that dilate blood vessels and make them more permeable. This allows more blood to flow to the area bringing healing white blood cells. As the blood vessels leak fluid into the tissues, swelling (edema) results. The swollen tissues press on nerve endings causing pain. The increased blood flow also makes the area reddened, hot, and swollen - the cardinal signs of acute inflammation.
Inflammation has three main functions:
Inflammation that goes on for a prolonged time is called chronic inflammation. This can lead to tissue damage and underlie many chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Factors that can trigger chronic inflammation include:
If you suspect chronic inflammation, get your inflammatory markers tested. C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are common markers that can be measured with a simple blood test.
The holistic doctors at Vitality Wellness Clinic specialize in customized treatment plans to identify and address the root causes of inflammation. Schedule a consultation today to get tested and start your journey back to health!