Inflammation is your body's attempt to cure itself by fighting against things that hurt it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins. When your cells are damaged, your body releases substances that cause your immune system to respond. The production of antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the wounded area, are all part of this reaction. Acute inflammation, such as getting a cut on your knee or catching a cold, usually lasts a few hours or days. Chronic inflammation occurs when this response persists, leaving your body on high alert.
The right kind of inflammation is essential to your body's healing system, but on the other hand, chronic inflammation can become a problem. Chronic inflammation, sometimes known as slow or long-term inflammation, can linger for months or even years. The severity and consequences of chronic inflammation vary depending on the cause of the injury and the body's ability to repair and overcome the damage. Chronic inflammation has the potential to harm your tissues and organs over time, and according to some studies it has been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer and stroke.
So how do you know if you have chronic inflammation? Read on to learn more about 7 telltale signs that you might be suffering from chronic inflammation.
Difficulty Standing Upright or Balancing Oneself - The inability to stay upright and move confidently is referred to as balance issues. They happen when you can't regulate your body's position or when you're shaky. Chronic inflammatory disorders (CIDs) lead your body to overreact and fight itself in some situations. Nerve signals are disrupted as a result, and a person may feel dizzy, off-balance, or have difficulty walking. Multiple sclerosis is one of these inflammatory diseases that disrupt the equilibrium. This is because MS induces inflammation in the areas of the brain that control balance. Inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune disorders can also affect your balance by causing eyesight, inner ear, and sensory problems.
Poor Digestion - Diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and heartburn are the most common digestive-related issues. An unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, food sensitivity, or even inflammation can all contribute to these symptoms. Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, occurs when bacteria and toxins "leak" through the intestinal wall as a result of chronic inflammation throughout the body. A "leaky gut" can exacerbate systemic inflammation and cause digestive problems like stomach pain and irregular bowel movements.
Low Energy Reserves - Feeling tired all of the time despite getting enough sleep is another sign that your body is fighting chronic inflammation. When you're chronically inflamed, your immune system remains active and works tirelessly to regulate its response, just like it does when you're sick. Chronic inflammation, in turn, raises the demand for cellular energy to ensure quick immune cell regeneration, depleting you of the fuel you need to feel fully energized. Chronic inflammation causes an imbalance between the amount of energy you have and the energy your body is attempting to consume. Fatigue that lasts two weeks or longer despite sleeping better, relieving stress, eating well, and staying hydrated is a sign of concern that needs to be addressed immediately.
Excess Mucus - Another indicator of inflammation is the constant urge to clear your throat or blow your nose. The lower airways produce mucus in reaction to inflammation. When mucous membranes become inflamed, they create thick phlegm to protect epithelial cells in the respiratory system's lining, resulting in coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Chronic mucus is an annoying and uncomfortable symptom. Coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms may occur depending on the cause and severity.
Dull Memory or Brain Fog - High levels of inflammation and changes in hormones that control your mood, and energy, are believed to cause brain fog, which is a sign of many inflammatory illnesses. Inflammation in the brain causes neurons to fire more slowly. As a result, the brain's general operation slows. This is what makes your brain foggier, duller, and slower.
Skin Disorders - Skin diseases are illnesses that affect the surface of your skin. Rashes and other skin symptoms are common in a number of autoimmune diseases that cause systemic inflammation. Eczema and psoriasis, for example, are inflammatory skin conditions characterized by red, rough, and flaky skin. Eczema and psoriasis are both linked to immune system hypersensitivity, and people with these conditions are more likely to have a higher number of inflammatory mast cells, which, when activated, cause skin rashes to appear. Medication, creams, and ointments, as well as lifestyle changes, may be used to treat skin diseases.
Body Pain - Increased systemic inflammation is a major cause of body pain, such as muscular pains and joint pain. Chronic inflammation of the spine is common in diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA). Both can result in hip and neck pain. Inflammation can also induce lower back discomfort and stiffness, especially in the morning. This can happen all of the time or only when someone touches the affected area. Early treatment can help manage the illness, lower the chance of impairment, and control pain and stiffness.
