Inflammation is the response of the body to any injury or infection. Whenever there is some external substance that can be harmful to the human body,
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the response of the body to any injury or infection. Whenever there is some external substance that can be harmful to the human body, the body responds with its protection mechanism, Also known as the immune system. The body sends various immune cells to kill and protect the body from foreign organisms or injury, which also initiates the healing process of the body.
Doctors identify the reason or causative agent of the infection that initiates inflammation through various imaging modalities and understand the hidden mechanism of signs of inflammation.
The four cardinal signs of inflammation are as follows:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
Types of Inflammation
Acute inflammation: when the injury or infection occurs suddenly and for a shorter duration, it may be from a few hours to days. Signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function in the affected region.
Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation can show signs of inflammation slowly, but it can last for a longer duration. It also has links to some underlying conditions, like
- Allergies
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Arthritis and other joint disorders
Understanding the Level of Inflammation
Whenever inflammation occurs, there will be the presence of biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP). The physician checks for those biomarkers to assess the inflammatory condition.
What Are All the Symptoms of Inflammation?
The symptoms of acute inflammation include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Flushed skin at the site of injury or infection
- Swelling
- Heat
The symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rashes on the skin surface
- Mood swings/anxiety/depression
- Frequent infection
- Weight loss/gain
What Are the Causes of Inflammation?
Acute inflammation can occur due to the invasion of substances like dust and bee stings, any injury, or infection. Whenever the body detects any infectious agent or foreign organism that can be harmful to the body, it shows various reactions, which include:
- Accumulation of tissue plasma protein causes the accumulation of fluid and results in swelling.
- Neutrophils, or leukocytes, are a type of white blood cell that releases cytokines that move towards the affected region.
- Enlargement of small blood vessels to facilitate movement of plasma protein and leukocytes to the site of injury.
Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation can occur if a person has:
- Autoimmune disease is a genetic disorder that can affect the body’s own immune system, like psoriasis.
- Exposure to some low-level irritants for a long time, like some hazardous industrial chemicals.
- Frequent acute inflammation.
- Sensitivity/Hypersensitivity.
Certain food items can cause inflammation
- Fried and oily foods
- Refined carbohydrate
- Red meat
- soda
Management of Inflammation
Investigation or Examination:
Various imaging systems or radiological examinations are used to identify the inflammatory conditions of the body.
X-ray in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A physician advises an x-ray in the condition of inflammatory bone disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and looks for the following changes by examining the x-ray.
- Alterations in the shape of the joints
- Loss of cartilages
- Calcification and soft tissue swelling
- Changes in bone density
- Damage to bone tissue
- Cysts
- Subluxation of misalignment
Ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease: Transabdominal ultrasound is usually suggested for the examination and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. It has been noted that ultrasound can distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, depending on the thickness and changes in the layer of the intestine.
Computed tomography (CT) in inflammatory bowel disease: CT scans of the gastrointestinal tract or GI tract can examine the narrowing of the small and large intestines and determine if there is any obstruction. This also investigates the presence of inflammation in the small intestine and can diagnose Crohn's disease.
MRI in perfusion in inflammation: magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized to measure the levels without using ionizing radiation. It provides visual tools to clinically diagnose the inflammatory brain disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to measure perfusion levels without the use of ionizing radiation. Using this method, perfusion maps are calculated, providing a visual tool to support the clinical diagnosis of inflammatory brain diseases.
Nuclear imaging: Today, nuclear medicine is considered to be the gold standard for imaging inflammation. They get collected in the inflamed tissue by the migration of specific leukocytes. Injected radiolabeled white blood cells attach to the endothelium (the inner cellular lining of the blood vessel) and further move towards the tissue.
What Are All the Treatment Options for Inflammation?
It is not always required to treat the inflammation, and mostly it is a body’s defense mechanism.
Generally, for acute inflammation, icing at the site of the wound, resting for some time, and proper care of the wound relieve the symptoms of inflammation.
In cases of chronic inflammation, the doctor may advise:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): this medicine lowers inflammation, e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
Injection of steroids: shots of corticosteroids decrease the effect of inflammation at specific sites, like joints or muscles. E.g., in cases of rheumatoid arthritis that affects the knees, shoulder, and hands, physicians generally recommend steroid shots in these joints.
Supplements: some vitamins like A, C, and D, also zinc supplements, help to decrease inflammation and enhance the repair process. E.g., a fish oil supplement or vitamin. One can also use some spices that have anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, ginger, etc.
Prevention
One can easily prevent inflammation and save themselves from the harmful or serious ill effects in the body caused by an inflammatory condition.
It is possible to adapt to simple lifestyle changes like,
Quitting habits: habits like smocking can cause damage to blood vessels and result in atherosclerosis. Only quitting the habit can half the risk of heart disease.
Balanced weight: Fat accumulates around your belly, also known as visceral fat, secretes inflammatory molecules, and increases the risk of heart disease.
Increasing daily activity: It is not required to do an intense workout every day. A simple 20-minute exercise can decrease the inflammation.
Healthy and balanced diet: a healthy diet with balanced proportions is crucial to managing weight and preventing any inflammation in the body.
Anti-inflammatory food items: By using anti-inflammatory foods, one can reduce the risk of inflammation-associated conditions.
- Nuts
- Fruits like berries, cherries, and oranges
- Green leafy vegetables
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish
- tomatoes
Conclusion
The internal body’s war can be hidden or invisible, but with the help of imaging technologies, it is possible to identify and manage the disease. Inflammation is generally considered a normal body’s reaction to various harmful foreign invaders or infections through pathogens, but it is always advisable to identify the underlying cause to prevent further spread of infection that may result in various lethal conditions.
Ganesh Diagnostic always provides advanced and highly impactful imaging techniques to prevent and diagnose these normal to severe health conditions. The patient gets an appropriate investigation, which helps to understand the reason for any pathological condition and helps the physician with the accurate management of the disease. The various imaging techniques in Ganesh diagnostics include MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and more. The price ranges from 350 to 5000 rupees.
