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What is Inflammation and How to Diagnose It?

What is Inflammation and How to Diagnose It?

In this article we’ll get to know about the inflammation and types of test used for diagnosing the inflammation .

It is a condition characterised by elevated temperature and swelling inside a body portion and is typically brought on by an infection, wound, or trouble with surrounding tissues. It is the body's defensive mechanism, which seeks to eliminate and treat any potential source of illness or harm.

Type of inflammation

Inflammation can be of two types: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation often occurs as a result of an injury, infection, or other sudden processes. It can include general symptoms such as redness, pain, swelling, and heat. It often resolves when the injury or infection heals.

In contrast, chronic inflammation can be long-term and can affect the affected individual for a long time. Its symptoms can usually change over time. Chronic inflammation may require medical intervention, and it can be associated with a variety of health conditions.

Acute inflammation usually involves redness, pain, swelling, and heat, while chronic inflammation can cause symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, constipation, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, skin rashes, weight gain, etc. 

Diagnostic test for inflammation

Blood tests are a crucial tool for detecting inflammation since they can reveal excessive levels of inflammation in your body as well as any symptoms of inflammation. 

  1. (C-reactive protein) CRP blood Test - Evaluating the level of C-reactive protein, often known as CRP, is one of the most important markers of inflammation in general since it is known to rise in an inflammatory environment. This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in a sample of blood. This protein is made by the liver and generally they are present in low levels in the blood. However high concentration of this in a blood indicates inflammation in a body or any other  serious underlying condition.
  2. ESR blood test-  it is a typical indicator of inflammation, an elevated rate may suggest the presence of inflammation in the body. Erythrocytes are the red blood cells, this test measures how fast your RBCs sinks down . if the test results show that you RED blood cells sink faster than it indicates you have inflammation in your body. This test can indicates the presence of inflammation but it cannot tell about the source of inflammation other confirmatory test is also needed to confirm the diagnosis
  3. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blood test - This is a cytokine which is released by an immune response. IL-6 is responsible for the development of acute phase response. This acute phase response leads to systemic inflammation. So, IL-6 acts as a marker for inflammation. This test is generally done along with the CRP blood test for assessing the severity of inflammation.
  4. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) - The Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF Alpha) Serum Test is a type of blood test that measures the level of TNF Alpha, a protein involved in systemic inflammation, in your blood serum. TNF Alpha is a cytokine, a type of signalling molecule cells used to coordinate responses to inflammation, infection, and other stressors.

Conclusion 

Apart from these tests there are some other tests which can help in further diagnosing and confirming the disease. It is crucial to take these signs of your body seriously and start managing it as early as possible as these symptoms could be an indication of underlying severe condition and managing your disease early is always better than waiting. 

Why you should visit Ganesh Diagnostics to find out the cause of inflammation

Ganesh Diagnostic is the most trusted diagnostic centre, we have the expertise of advanced technology which we use for your diagnostic tests and we also have a good understanding of your financial problems so we bring you 100% accurate tests at the best prices. 

We also provide free home sample collection facilities so that you do not have to face any further trouble in this stressful situation. All you have to do is visit our website from your home and book your test. You can also book your test by calling our customer care number. Our staff is very polite and will answer all your queries properly. So book your test from the comfort of your home today. Only from Ganesh Diagnostic Centre, Delhi's most trusted diagnostic centre.

Frequently asked questions (people also ask)

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a process in which the body's defence system responds in a way to respond to some type of damage or infection.

Are swelling and inflammation the same thing?

Yes, swelling and inflammation are results of the same process, which can include tenderness, warmth, and skin changes.

How to know if swelling is serious?

If the swelling continues to grow without any local cause, or if it is accompanied by pain, warmth, and redness, it may be serious and the person should see a doctor.

How long does it take for inflammation to heal?

Healing of inflammation can vary depending on the person and the situation, but generally it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

What are the symptoms of inflammation?

Common symptoms of inflammation include enlarged skin, warmth, redness, and pain in some parts of the body.