Chronic inflammation is the culprit behind many diseases. This prolonged immune response can negatively affect the body’s tissues and contribute to unwellness in various forms. The body remains in a constant state of alert which means it is constantly on defense, overworked, and taxing all your systems – an ongoing state of feeling unwell, fatigued, weak, and unhealthy is often attributed to chronic inflammation.
Possible Causes of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can develop in many places in the body and lead to visible or invisible side effects. When the immune system is active for months or years, this persistent activity can damage healthy tissues and organs over time. This is the opposite of the acute inflammation a person develops during an infection or injury which passes quickly. There are many possible causes of chronic inflammation:
- Ongoing infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Obesity
- Stress
- Sleep disturbances
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Environmental triggers
Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation
Everyone feels off from time to time, but if your discomfort is subtle at first then seems to hang on and gradually become worse, this could be a sign of chronic inflammation. Without the help of an experienced osteopathic physician, it can be difficult to detect the source of the problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor:
- Persistent fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Rashes or sores
Health Conditions Linked to Chronic Inflammation
Serious health conditions linked to chronic inflammation often include the following, and many people with one chronic condition suffer with multiple chronic ailments, affecting the body’s overall wellness:
- Chronic heart disease. Hands-on therapy for chronic heart disease along with appropriate medications and treatments can help keep serious heart complications at bay, including heart attack and stroke.
- Diabetes. From genetics to age, diet to ethnicity, there are many possible causes of diabetes, but your doctor of osteopathy is ready to help you manage this condition so it does not dictate your life.
- Cancer. Certain cancers are linked to chronic inflammation, including colorectal, stomach, lung, and liver.
- Digestive disorders. Digestive health impacts immunity and overall wellness and gastrointestinal problems are often rooted in other immune-related conditions.
- Autoimmune disease. People who suffer from autoimmune conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are plagued by chronic inflammation.
Managing and Preventing Chronic Inflammation
Lifestyle modifications and medical treatment are both usually needed to manage chronic inflammation. This includes:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Anti-inflammatory diet low in processed foods and sugar
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate, quality sleep
- Stress reduction methods
- Limiting environmental pollutants and toxins
Contact me, Dr. Jon Swetech, to schedule a wellness visit at Swetech Medical Center, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and learn about chronic inflammation and how you can keep it at bay. We take a whole-body approach to wellness, identifying the source of discomfort, pain, and illness to treat it at the root.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
