Inflammation, broadly speaking, is how your body responds to a stimulus or a germ1. This could be a foreign object, for example, when you get a splinter while working with wood, or it could be a germ2.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation begins as soon as the body starts fighting the irritant and may involve many different immune system cells within the body, which release substances called inflammatory mediators3. These control your body’s response to the irritant – your blood vessels dilate (widen), the membranes of the blood vessels become more permeable, additional white blood cells get sent to the area, and you feel pain1,2.
This is all in an effort to eliminate the irritant and start repairing the affected area1. Even the pain you feel plays a role – if a body part feels sore, you will protect it2. The increased amount of blood is why the area becomes swollen, warm and red2. Inflammation is an important part of your body’s immune response that helps you recover from infection and injury, but when it goes on for too long, it can also lead to the development of other diseases3.
Inflammation can be divided into two types2
Acute inflammation
This is your body’s immediate response to an injury or illness. Symptoms quickly become severe and they last for about 48 hours2.
Chronic inflammation
Occurs when the body’s inflammatory response gets dialed up too high or lasts for too long2,4. The chronic inflammatory state that develops can result in a number of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Type-1 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and depression4.
Chronic inflammation is a long-term condition that can last for several months and even years2
Allergic reactions: a type of inflammation
Did you know that having an allergic reaction is a response to inflammation? When you’re exposed to something you’re allergic to, for example, grass, pollen, fish or peanuts, your body produces an acute inflammatory response5. This is often followed by a late-phase reaction that may involve swelling, pain, warmth and redness on the skin, or, in the lungs, excessive mucous secretion and narrowing of the airwaves5. If you’re repeatedly exposed to something you’re allergic to over a long period of time, you can go on to develop chronic allergic inflammation5.
Know the Signs
Acute inflammation
Acute inflammation are immediate and obvious2:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Loss of function, such as struggling to breathe when you have bronchitis.
Chronic inflammation
Symptoms of chronic inflammation are more subtle4:
- Body pains
- Constant fatigue and insomnia
- Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Regularly getting infections
Inflammation Triggers
Acute inflammation is triggered by an irritant, which could be a wound, injury or an infection2.
Chronic inflammation can have various causes:
Get Diagnosed
Unlike the visible signs of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is diagnosed with a blood test4. The pathologist will be looking for elevated levels of proteins and molecules that are typically seen when your body is in a state of inflammation4.
Risk factors for chronic inflammation4:
Treating Inflammation
Acute inflammation: You can relieve symptoms with a cold compress to reduce swelling and over-the-counter medication to reduce pain6.
Chronic inflammation: Will usually involve a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle interventions3. Weight loss is one of the most effective treatments4.


Treatment for chronic inflammation includes:
Corticosteroids
Provide rapid relief, but have potentially dangerous side effects when used for a long time or in high dosages3. Often used for asthma5.
Antihistamines
Often used for hay fever5.
Metformin
Reduces the levels of inflammation-causing molecules and helps in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes4.
Statins
Lower the amount of inflammation mediators in the body and the risk of heart attacks4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Alleviate the pain associated with inflammation, especially in patients with arthritis4.
Herbal supplements
Natural substances such as ginger and turmeric have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, but never take them without first consulting a healthcare provider4.
Lifestyle interventions
Weight loss, diet adjustments and regular exercise have all been shown to lower inflammation4.
Take charge of your health
Diet modification, increased physical activity and regular relaxation and meditative exercises are key for reducing systematic inflammation3.
Treat acute inflammation with PRICE6
A sprain is when you damage a ligament – the tough connective tissue that connects bones. You will experience symptoms of acute inflammation, including swelling and pain6. See a healthcare provider if the injury is severe, you can’t move it or there are signs of infection6.
Protect
the injured area with a compression device.
Rest
the injured area for up to 72 hours.
Ice
the area with a cold pack as soon as possible after the injury occurred.
Compress
the area with elasticated strapping or bandage, or a lace-up support.
Elevate
the area above the level of your heart.
What it feels like to live with chronic inflammation
Diseases associated with chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammatory diseases are the leading cause of death in the world4. Serious conditions associated with chronic inflammation include:
- Arthritis4
- Asthma3
- Allergies3
- Skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema5
- Cardiac arrhythmia3
- Diabetes3
- Ulcerative colitis4
- Multiple sclerosis4
- Anxiety and depression3
- Obesity3
References
- Galvão, I., et al. Mediators of Inflammation. Immunopharmacology and Inflammation.. (2018)
- Ansar, W. & Ghosh, S. Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases, Markers, and Mediators: Role of CRP in Some Inflammatory Diseases. Biology of C Reactive Protein in Health and Disease.. (2016)
- Bennett, J., et al. Inflammation – Nature’s Way to Efficiently Respond to All Types of Challenges: Implications for Understanding and Managing “the Epidemic” of Chronic Diseases. Front. Med. 5. 316. (2018)
- Pahwa R, et al. Chronic Inflammation. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. (2021)
- Galli, S.J., et al. The Development of Allergic Inflammation. Nature. 454, 7203. 445-454. (2008)
- Ivins, D., Acute Ankle sprain: an Update. Am Fam Physician. 74, 10. 1714-20. (2006)