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Dušan Vešović, MD, ScD, Professor
Do you know that these are signs of chronic inflammation?
Our body sends us signs that something is going wrong. However, sometimes we do not understand these signs and symptoms, sometimes we ignore them, and sometimes we believe that they will vanish on their own. In further text you will find some signs of chronic inflammation which is going on in one's body. Should you notice them, it is recommended to consult your medical doctor for further diagnostics procedures and possible treatment. An early diagnosis and following treatment, if any, will stop further damage of your organ(s) and will speed up your recovery.
Problems with balance
Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) cause body to overreact and, in some cases, attack itself. In multiple sclerosis, for example, body’s immune system attacks nerve coatings. That makes it harder for nerve signals to get through. One may feel dizzy or off-balance, especially when walk.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin helps control the sugar level in your blood. Inflammation could affect how well your insulin works. However, it’s not yet clear exactly why. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar. That can damage your nerves and blood vessels. It could also lead to diabetes. You might have tingling feet, or you could be more thirsty and tired. You might not have symptoms. Your doctor can help you discover what’s going on.
Muscle Weakness
Sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames your muscles. This could start to break down muscle fiber and make you weaker. It usually happens slowly, most often in your torso, shoulders, and hips. In some cases, you might find it hard to do simple things like walk, bathe, and swallow.
Diarrhea
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has two main forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In both cases, your immune system overreacts and inflames your colon and small intestine. The most common symptoms you may have are diarrhea, nausea, joint pain, fever, and skin rashes.
Lower Back Pain
In ankylosing spondylitis, chronic inflammation typically attacks the spine. Sometimes, it hits your hips, neck, knees, or chest. You might have pain and stiffness in your lower back, especially in the morning. In serious cases, you could have loss of motion. Early treatment can help you manage your condition better.
It’s one of the typical signs of long-term inflammation and a common sign of inflammatory diseases like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It could be a sign of an underlying illness. It may be treatable, too.
Hardening of the Arteries (Arteriosclerosis)
If you’re gaining body fat or you spend a lot of time taking in foreign substances like cigarette smoke, your body will respond with inflammation. This can cause fatty plaque to build up on the inside walls of your arteries. Known as arteriosclerosis, it’s the main cause of heart attack and stroke.
Blood Clotting
Inflammation from trauma, surgery, or diseases like antiphospholipid syndrome and IBD can cause your blood to clot too much (called hypercoagulation). This might cause swelling and could bring on more serious things like stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. It is not always easy to spot hypercoagulation, and your doctor might take some time to figure out what’s causing it. Drugs called anticoagulants can help.
Dry Eye
It’s a common symptom of inflammation. One condition, Sjogren’s syndrome, affects your salivary glands and your tear glands. You might notice a gritty or burning feeling in your eyes, swelling in your salivary gland, and dryness in your nose and throat. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms and keep away serious complications like vision loss and dental problems.
Brain Issues
Your memory and your ability to think are likely to take a hit if your body shows signs of inflammation. Scientists believe that inflammation may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that cause dementia which is especially true in older adults. Healthy eating plans like the Mediterranean diet seem to ease inflammation and might keep your brain sharp for longer.
Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_signs_of_inflammation_you_may_not_expect/article.htm