What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury. A sequence of complicated, interrelated events work to defend the body, ultimately bringing plasma proteins and phagocytes (white blood cells that engulf and consume foreign material and debris) to the injured area for the purpose of initiating tissue repair.

The sequence of events that occur during an inflammatory response can vary, depending on the type or cause of injury (i.e., bacteria, trauma), the site of the injury, and the state of the body. In a localized infection, for example, the sequence of events can be summarized in 7 steps:

1. Microbes (bacteria) enter the body.
2. Small blood vessels become dilated to increase blood flow.
3. There is an increase in vascular permeability to protein.
4. Fluid moves into the tissue causing swelling.
5. Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and later monocytes (another type of white blood cell) move from the blood vessels into the tissue.
6. Microbes are engulfed and destroyed by white cells.
7. Tissue repair is initiated.

In some diseases, the inflammatory process can be triggered even when there are no foreign invaders. In autoimmune diseases, the body's normally protective immune system damages its own tissues, as it erroneously recognizes self as foreign, and normal as abnormal. Some types of arthritis are the result of misdirected inflammation.

The term arthritis literally means inflammation. "Arthr" refers to the joint, and "itis" is indicative of inflammation. Some types of arthritis that are associated with inflammation include:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• gout
• tendonitis
• bursitis
• polymyalgia rheumatica

An excellent explanation of the destructive pathways of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory activity can be found in Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Latest Breakthroughs and Treatments by Thomas F Lee, Ph.D.

When joint inflammation occurs, the increased number of cells and inflammatory substances within the joint cause irritation, cartilage damage, and swelling of the joint lining. Signs of joint inflammation include redness around the affected joint; warm to the touch; joint pain, joint stiffness

Inflammation can also affect organs in autoimmune diseases. Symptoms depend on the particular organ affected.

• Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) can cause shortness of breath or fluid retention.
• Inflammation of kidneys (nephritis) may cause kidney failure or high blood pressure.
• Inflammation of the large intestine, known as colitis, may cause cramps and diarrhea.
• Inflammation raises rheumatoid arthritis cardiac death risks

People with inflammatory joint disease have many treatment options:

Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications help to control inflammation and joint pain. Drug options include:

• NSAIDs
• Analgesics (Painkillers)
• Corticosteroids
• DMARDs
• BRMs/Biologics

Activities which cause pain should be modified. You should restrict strenuous activities and allow your body time to rest.

Physical therapy and exercise help to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.

• Cycling
• Tai Chi
• Walking
• Water Exercise
• Yoga

Joint surgery or other orthopedic procedures may eventually be necessary to repair damage caused by chronic inflammation.