By Silvia 
What is the role of inflammation in the body’s defence?
Inflammation acts as a protective barrier of our body, activating in the presence of infections or trauma. This response has the role of recognizing, circumscribing, and neutralizing the threat while simultaneously assisting the body in regenerating damaged tissue areas. During an inflammatory episode, we observe changes in blood circulation, an increase in vascular permeability, and the movement of fluids, proteins, and white blood cells from the blood to the injury site.
If inflammation manages to neutralize the threat in a short period, we are dealing with acute inflammation. However, if this response persists over an extended period, chronic inflammation manifests. Acute inflammation might show symptoms like a sore throat or itching following an insect bite, but these signs are transient: they will disappear once the inflammatory response is completed.
Causes of Chronic Inflammation
Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is not a transient phenomenon but extends over time, often underlying many diseases. Understanding the causes behind this phenomenon is essential to implement effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
One of the main causes of chronic inflammation is autoimmune diseases. In these cases, the immune system, which should protect the body, mistakenly begins to recognize certain tissues or organs of the body as foreign, attacking them and causing persistent inflammation. Examples of these types of diseases are rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Persistent infections can also lead to chronic inflammation. Pathogenic organisms, such as certain types of bacteria or viruses, if not entirely eradicated, can cause a continuous inflammatory response. A classic example is Helicobacter pylori infection, leading to chronic gastritis and ulcers.
Prolonged exposure to toxic or irritating substances, such as environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, or certain chemicals, can also trigger chronic inflammatory processes. Our body identifies these substances as potential threats and, in response, initiates an inflammatory reaction that, if persistent, can lead to tissue damage.
Lastly, an unhealthy lifestyle is an emerging cause of chronic inflammation. Imbalanced diets rich in processed foods, obesity, chronic stress, lack of physical exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption are all factors that can contribute to creating an inflammatory state in the body.
Thoroughly understanding these causes is the first step in addressing the problem of chronic inflammation, allowing interventions to target the root causes and not just the symptoms.
Complications of Chronic Inflammation
Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to a series of complications affecting various body parts. On a cellular level, persistent inflammation can cause oxidative damage to cells, contributing to their premature aging and, in some cases, degeneration.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Chronic inflammation is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This condition can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Joint problems: Chronic inflammation can cause or exacerbate conditions like arthritis, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movements.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: There is increasing evidence linking chronic inflammation to diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
- Cancers: Chronic inflammation can raise the risk of developing certain cancers. Inflammation can promote cell mutation, and some chemicals produced during inflammation can feed tumor growth.
- Respiratory issues: Chronic inflammation of the respiratory pathways can lead to conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help prevent or reduce chronic inflammation. These range from choosing an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, adopting an active lifestyle, and reducing stress. Additionally, there are drugs and natural treatments that can help manage and control inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Some foods like fatty fish, nuts, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, it’s good to limit the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like refined sugars, red meats, and fried foods.
- Physical exercise: Staying active can help reduce inflammation. Intense exercise isn’t necessary; even regular walking can make a difference.
- Stress reduction: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress, known to trigger or exacerbate inflammation.
- Medications and supplements: Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and natural supplements like curcumin and omega-3 can help control inflammation.
In conclusion, while acute inflammation is a natural and protective response of the body, chronic inflammation can have long-term damaging effects. Being proactive in managing one’s lifestyle and choosing appropriate treatments can make a significant difference in preventing and controlling this condition.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
One of the crucial aspects of managing chronic inflammation is its early identification. A timely diagnosis can make the difference between effective management and progressing to more severe complications. Diagnostic tools, like blood tests measuring inflammatory markers, can help doctors detect inflammation before it becomes a serious issue.
Hypothermia and Other Emerging Therapies
Hypothermia, a therapy where patients are exposed to cold temperatures for short periods, is among the new methods studied for treating inflammation. Cold is believed to reduce inflammation and assist in tissue regeneration. Besides hypothermia, research is exploring other innovative solutions, like gene therapy and immunotherapy, that might offer new avenues for treating and controlling chronic inflammation.