Table of contents:
- Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism
- What happens to the body if the inflammation lasts too long
The very first thing that comes to mind when you hear inflammation is pain. It's not wrong, because whether it's strep throat or colitis, it must cause pain. It is true that inflammation is the body's response to a hazard, such as stress, infection by foreign organisms (such as bacteria and viruses), and toxic chemicals. However, do you know what actually happens to the body when it is inflamed?
Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism
Inflammation or inflammation is part of the body's immune system. When the body recognizes a danger, the immune system responds by releasing white blood cells and other chemicals into the blood to protect the cells and tissues that are threatened.
This release of white blood cells then increases blood flow to the area that is injured or infected, so that the area will feel warm and look red. Some of the chemicals released by the immune system can also cause fluid to leak into the tissues, causing the area to swell. The release of these chemicals can also stimulate nerve fibers and cause pain. Inflammation can be uncomfortable, but it is important in the healing process.
However, this mechanism should only appear in certain situations and last a short time. For example, when a part of the body has an open wound, the inflammatory mechanism will help remove damaged cells and speed up the healing process. Conversely, when inflammation occurs for a longer time than necessary, it tends to be detrimental.
What happens to the body if the inflammation lasts too long
The inflammatory mechanism that occurs for a long time can damage the body. Inflammation can turn into chronic (long lasting) when the body is unable to eliminate the causes of inflammation, is exposed to the causes of inflammation constantly, and also a form of autoimmune response in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
Diseases that are often associated with chronic inflammation include:
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), which can cause shortness of breath or fluid retention.
- Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis), which can lead to high blood pressure or kidney failure.
- Inflammation of the tiny tubes that carry air to the lungs can cause shortness of breath and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Inflammation of the intestine can cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- Inflammation of the joints can lead to rheumatism.
- Inflammation of the bones increases the risk of bone loss.
- Inflammation of the skin, causing psoriasis or premature aging
- Inflammation of the gums, can cause periodontitis (a disease that makes the gums recede and the skeletal structure around the teeth becomes weak or damaged).
Apart from affecting your internal organs, inflammation can affect your body in other ways as well.
2015 study published in JAMA Psychiatry states that inflammation in the brain can be linked to mood disorders, such as depression, which in turn lead to poor appetite and poor sleep patterns. In fact, previous studies have found that people who are depressed tend to have higher levels of inflammatory substances in their blood.
