Looking at Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammation is a manifestation of the body’s response to tissue damage and infection. The discovery of the detailed processes of inflammation has revealed a close relationship between inflammation and the immune response. In some diseases, however, the body’s defense system (immune system) triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign substances to fight off. In these diseases, called autoimmune diseases, the body’s normally protective immune system causes damage to its own tissues. The body responds as if normal tissues are infected or somehow abnormal.

Inflammation is a complex stereotypical reaction involving a number of cellular and molecular components and important changes in the physiological systems as well. The result of each inflammatory reaction may be beneficial (defense the body against agents deranging its homeostasis) or harmful (damage to surrounding tissues).

Inflammation is characterized by: redness, swollen joint that’s warm to touch, joint pain, joint stiffness, loss of joint function. Often, only a few of these symptoms are present. Inflammation may also be associated with general “flu”-like symptoms including: fever, chills, fatigue/loss of energy, headaches, loss of appetite, muscle stiffness.

Inflammatory diseases are diagnosed after careful evaluation of:

• Complete medical history and physical exam

• The location of painful joints

• Presence of joint stiffness in the morning

• Evaluation of other symptoms

• Results of X-rays and other tests

There are a number of treatment options for inflammatory diseases including medications, rest and exercise, and surgery to correct joint damage. The type of treatment prescribed depends on several factors including the type of disease, the person’s age, type of medications he or she is taking, overall health, medical history and severity of symptoms.

It is not known what causes the inflammation but infection – possibly caused by bacteria or a virus – might contribute to or even start the narrowing process. Possible infectious bacteria include Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori. In addition to C-reactive protein, other possible factors that may cause an inflammatory response in the body are: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. These risk factors may cause inflammation of the coronary arteries, which may lead to narrowing. This may in turn increase risk of coronary heart disease.

Inflammation can be determined by measuring ones CRP level, short for “C-reactive protein,” a protein found in the blood. Presence of CRP indicates a heightened state of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a normal response to many physical states including fever, injury and infection – as well as the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. Elevated CRP is related to increased risk for heart attack, restenosis of coronary arteries after angioplasty, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Read more about Respiratory and Pulmonary System – Asthma