Chronic Inflammation Symptoms

What Are Some Common Symptoms For Chronic Inflammation?

When it comes to diagnosing chronic inflammation, health providers tend to look for a variety of indicators, but you should look out for some of the most common inflammation symptoms. Those symptoms include physical pain, swelling, heat, redness, and loss of mobility in affected areas. Some people affected by inflammation will also experience mental health symptoms, including increased feelings of depression and anxiety, so it’s important to take stock of both your physical and mental health if you think you may be experiencing chronic inflammation. This will allow you to discuss your concerns with the applicable health providers.

How Is Systemic Inflammation Treated?

Lifestyle changes, like taking probiotics or changing diets, can diminish the body’s inflammatory response and reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Still, you may be wondering whether there are other treatments or medications that can help as well. Depending on the cause and symptoms of your inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment with NSAIDs, such as aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen, steroids or supplements. It should be noted, however, that patients should avoid using these medications without direct recommendations from their physicians. Although seemingly harmless, NSAIDs can lead to kidney damage and supplements are not always regulated. Even natural supplements can come with dangerous side effects.

Are There Other Ways to Manage Inflammation?

In addition to lifestyle changes, taking steps to reduce stress is also ideal as stress can have a profound impact on chronic inflammation. While stress is a natural part of life, there are things you can do to limit the stress you encounter. For example, if you don’t regularly take time off from work for rest and relaxation, now is the time to start. Whether it’s a long weekend away, a trip to the beach, or even a staycation right here in Phoenix. Take stock of your living situation too. If your environment contributes to stress through noisy neighbors, limited amenities or cramped space, moving could make a difference. If you rent, look for a house or apartment that will meet your needs — maybe a place that has elevators, a pool, more space and a quieter neighborhood. Use an online directory, and filter by preferred amenities, space and proximity to zero in on areas to consider.

What Are Treatment Outcomes for Inflammation?

As previously stated, many chronic inflammation cases can be easily treated with changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits, and certain medications may reduce the instance of chronic inflammation in many patients. If symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions are left untreated, however, serious health complications can arise. This is especially true for men, who can develop conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke if they do not take the necessary steps to address chronic inflammation as early as possible. Timely treatment is important since systemic inflammation issues become more difficult to reverse as patients grow older, with their bodies and minds exhausted by long-term inflammation.

Inflammation is much like many other processes in the body. When inflammation responses work correctly, they can keep you from getting sick, but when those responses get out of control, they can do more harm to your health. The balance between acute and chronic inflammation can be difficult to control, but with the information above, you can recognize signs of inflammation in yourself so you can take steps to regain control of your health.

Author: Dana Brown

Published by: International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog