What is inflammation? — Home GP treatment for inflammation in Costa del Sol

Acute inflammation is caused by activating the immune system. These cells kill microorganisms or repair tissue. Chronic inflammation occurs when your body releases inflammatory cells even when you are not ill or wounded. Many chronic disorders, such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease, are characterised by inflammation as a symptom. Keep reading to know more about this condition and when to get home GP treatment for inflammation in Costa del Sol.

What is inflammation?

When your body comes into contact with a harmful agent (such as viruses, bacteria, or poisonous chemicals) or sustains an injury, it triggers the activation of your immune system. inflammatory cells and cytokines are released by your immune system as the initial line of defence.

These cells initiate an inflammatory response in order to capture germs and other invading agents or to begin the healing process of damaged tissue. Pain, swelling, bruising, and redness may ensue as a consequence of the procedure. However, inflammation can have an impact on body systems that are not visible to the naked eye.

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic

• Acute inflammation is the body’s reaction to a quick injury, like a finger cut. Your body sends inflammatory cells to the wound to mend it. These cells initiate healing.
• Chronic inflammation occurs even when there is no external threat. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory cells and chemicals assault joint structures, causing inflammation that causes pain and deformity.

What are the symptoms of acute and chronic inflammation?

Acute inflammation may cause:

• Heat.
• Flushed skin at the injured location.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation might be tougher to detect than acute inflammatory symptoms

Chronic inflammation may cause:

• Pain in the abdomen.
• Pain in the chest.
• Fatigue. (For example, systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Fever. (For example, TB)
• Joint pain or stiffness  (For example, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Sores in the mouth. (For example, HIV infection)
• A rash on the skin. (For example, psoriasis)

What conditions are associated with chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation has a role in the progression of a variety of diseases, including the following:

• Type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Heart disease.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Asthma.

What are the most common causes of inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which are as follows:

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus where the body destroys healthy tissue.
• Toxins such as pollution or industrial chemicals.
• Infection or injury-induced acute inflammation that has been untreated

Certain lifestyle variables can contribute to the body’s inflammation. You may be at an increased risk of chronic inflammation if you:

• Consume excessive quantities of alcohol.
• Have a high body mass index (BMI) that falls inside the obese category, unless you are very muscular.
• You either exercise at your maximal intensity too often or you exercise insufficiently.
• Suffer from persistent stress.
• Smoke.

When to get home GP treatment for inflammation in Costa del Sol

Inflammation may not necessarily need medical intervention. Rest, ice, and proper wound care often alleviate acute inflammation within a few days.

If you suffer from persistent inflammation, our home GP in Costa del Sol may suggest the following:

• Certain vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D) and supplements (zinc) have been shown to lower inflammation and promote healing. For instance, our home GP may recommend a fish oil or vitamin D prescription (s). Alternatively, you may use anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, or garlic.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): These OTC medications help to reduce inflammation. 
• Corticosteroid injections help to reduce inflammation in a particular joint or muscle. For instance, if you have rheumatoid arthritis in your back, our home GP for inflammation in Costa del Sol may provide a steroid injection to your spine. No more than three to four steroid injections in the same body area should be administered every year.