In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Inflammation?CausesHow It Affects Your BodyPrevention Tips
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is Inflammation?
Causes
How It Affects Your Body
Prevention Tips
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Photo:Michela Buttignol
Michela Buttignol
If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, sprained your ankle or broken a bone, then you’ve experienced a form of inflammation. You may have noticed it turn red, then bruise, then slowly fade over time as it heals. This form of inflammation, known as acute inflammation, is a part of the healing process.
And while acute inflammation is necessary for healing, there’s another form of inflammation that is harmful. Referred to as chronic inflammation, this is the kind of inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what happens to your body when you experience both acute and chronic inflammation, some common causes and symptoms, and how to avoid the harmful, long-haul kind of inflammation.
Both acute and chronic inflammation are immune system responses with very different impacts on health. So how do you distinguish between acute and chronic inflammation? Here’s a quick overview.
Acute Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s protective response to what it perceives as a foreign invader. Whether it’s an injury, bug bite, cold or bacterial infection, your body will send its internal defense system, or immune cells, to the injured area and provide support.Immune cells then release inflammatory mediators—including the hormones bradykinin and histamine—that cause your blood vessels to widen and allow for more blood and immune cells to flow in and out to help with healing.
This process helps protect you from infection and, when working properly, halts inflammation from progressing too far. The increase in blood flow and fluid is also why you may experience a burning sensation or increased redness in the area that has been injured. You may notice an increase in pain, as well, because the hormones released can irritate nerve cells, signaling your body to protect the injured area—a natural defense mechanism. Over time, the swelling will decrease as your immune cells do their job and fluid is moved away from the injured area.
Acute inflammation is a good thing. It helps you recover from a bee sting or fight off a cold. The sting heals, your sniffles clear up and you feel like yourself again. Acute inflammation tends to be short-lived, and subsides with rest, medical care and proper nutrition, saysRahaf Al Bochi, RDN, LD, a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Sometimes, however, the body mistakes its own cells for foreign invaders and begins to fight itself. This is where the next type of inflammation comes in.
Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation that attacks and affects healthy tissues over a long period of time can be very harmful. This is known as chronic inflammation—and unfortunately, it can occur without you even knowing.
“Chronic inflammation is when your body is in a constant state of sending off inflammatory cells without ever reaching the point of healing,” says Al Bochi. “This long-term inflammatory state can have a detrimental effect on your body’s tissues and organs, and plays a role in chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis.”
Causes of Chronic Inflammation
So what causes chronic inflammation? Some of the factors include:
While this list is not exhaustive, it shows you the wide variety of physical, social and emotional factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation.
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How Chronic Inflammation Affects Your Body
Chronic inflammation is not always easy to spot, as the symptoms are often vague and subtle. There are, however, some signs to watch out for. Here are a few of them.
Lower Energy Levels
Do you feel like you’re running on empty most of the time? If so, you may be experiencing a result of chronic inflammation. Research has found thatfatigue is a common symptomassociated with many conditions related to chronic inflammation.
Every minute of every day, your body is engaged in innumerable actions that allow you to function at your best—like keeping your heart beating, muscles and skeleton moving and brain functioning. And because all the systems in your body are connected, when inflammation starts in one area, it may affect multiple other areas as well. Imagine a hamster on a wheel that never stops turning. That’s essentially what happens when your body experiences chronic inflammation. It never stops trying to fight off the perceived invader. It’s like a never-ending battle inside your body—which takes up an extreme amount of energy. This can only last so long until you feel constantly exhausted.
Nagging Aches, Pains & Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition associated with chronic inflammation. The inflammation targets the joints and, depending on the type of arthritis, muscles. There are many types of arthritis, most of which are associated with chronic systemic (throughout the body) inflammation—including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.And while scientists previously thought osteoarthritis was simply a result of worn-out joint cartilage from age and overuse, there is now evidence of an inflammation connection.
Impaired Immune System
A diet that is high in added sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats and refined grains and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats—what is known as a typical Western diet—is likely to cause an imbalance in your microbiome. This allows unhealthy gut bacteria to overrun the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This type of diet may not only lead to micronutrient deficiencies but can also affect your immune system, which is largely housed in your gut. An imbalanced microbiome is likely to increase inflammation and lead to a number of chronic conditions and diseases, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.You might also find you easily become sick with colds, flu and stomach bugs.
GI System in Distress
It’s important to understand that conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—begin with an inflammatory process. One cause of Crohn’s disease is believed to be a reaction in which the bacteria in the gut mistakenly trigger your immune system to attack healthy cells.This creates a constant fight-or-flight state in your body, igniting inflammation that can lead to IBDs like Crohn’s disease.
While this isn’t the only factor—genes and lifestyle factors like smoking also play a role—it’s important to take a proactive approach with your medical team to find the medication and treatment plan that works for your individual needs if you struggle with an inflammatory disease that affects your bowels.
Difficulty Sleeping
Depression
People who have a chronic disease with debilitating symptoms that affect their quality of life and productivity may also experience depression. Although many factors are involved in depression, scientists have found an increase in inflammatory markers of the immune system—like cytokines—in individuals who struggle with chronic conditions and/or depression.Researchers are investigating treatments designed to help target inflammatory pathways for those with depression. And while more research needs to be done, it shows promise for a complex condition.
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How to Reduce or Prevent Chronic Inflammation
Many of these signs are a chicken-and-egg scenario. For example, a lack of quality sleep can increase inflammation, but inflammation can also cause sleep disturbances. And all of it affects the balance between your healthy and unhealthy gut bacteria—which highlights how the body’s systems are all interconnected, each one affecting the other.
The good news is, that there are things you can do starting today to reduce or prevent chronic inflammation, including lifestyle changes and healthy eating. Adding in daily activity, whether it’s walking, strength training or yoga, can help to decrease inflammation, as can other healthy lifestyle habits, like not smoking,cutting back on or avoiding alcohol, prioritizing quality sleep and working to decrease and manage life’s daily stressors.
An eating approach that minimizes dietary irritants—like added sugar and processed meats—and emphasizes nutrients and foods that ease inflammation—like omega-3s, vegetables and fruits—can go a long way in fighting potentially dangerous chronic inflammation.
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The Bottom Line
The type of inflammation you experience plays a role in your overall health. While acute inflammation can be beneficial and acts as your body’s natural defense system, chronic inflammation is concerning. It’s important to seek medical attention if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of chronic inflammation, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Working with a registered dietitian on diet and lifestyle habits to reduce your symptoms is a great way to improve your inflammation and invest in your health for the long haul.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine StatPearls.Acute Inflammatory Response.National Library of Medicine StatPearls.In Brief: What Is an Inflammation?National Institute of Environmental Health Services.Inflammation.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Arthritis.van den Bosch M, Blom A, van der Kraan P.Inflammation in osteoarthritis: our view on its presence and involvement in disease development over the years.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.12.005Dainese P, Mahieu H, De Mits S, et al.Association between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.RMD Open. 2023. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002945Parraga J, Castellanos A.A manifesto in defense of pain complexity: a critical review of essential insights in pain neuroscience. 2023. doi: 10.3390/jcm12227080Aziz T, Hussain N, Hameed Z, et al.Elucidating the role of diet in maintaining gut health to reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and other age-related inflammatory diseases: recent challenges and future recommendations.Gut Microbes. 2024. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Crohn’s Disease.Dzierzewski J, Donovan E, Kay D, et al.Sleep inconsistency and markers of inflammation.Frontiers in Neurology. 2020. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01042Yang D, Huang W, Wu C, et al.Acute sleep deprivation exacerbates systemic inflammation and psychiatry disorders through gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of circadian rhythms. Microbiological Research. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127292Bhatt S, Devadoss T, Jha N, et al.Targeting inflammation: a potential approach for the treatment of depression.Metabolic Brain Disease. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s11011-022-01095-1
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine StatPearls.Acute Inflammatory Response.National Library of Medicine StatPearls.In Brief: What Is an Inflammation?National Institute of Environmental Health Services.Inflammation.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Arthritis.van den Bosch M, Blom A, van der Kraan P.Inflammation in osteoarthritis: our view on its presence and involvement in disease development over the years.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.12.005Dainese P, Mahieu H, De Mits S, et al.Association between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.RMD Open. 2023. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002945Parraga J, Castellanos A.A manifesto in defense of pain complexity: a critical review of essential insights in pain neuroscience. 2023. doi: 10.3390/jcm12227080Aziz T, Hussain N, Hameed Z, et al.Elucidating the role of diet in maintaining gut health to reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and other age-related inflammatory diseases: recent challenges and future recommendations.Gut Microbes. 2024. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Crohn’s Disease.Dzierzewski J, Donovan E, Kay D, et al.Sleep inconsistency and markers of inflammation.Frontiers in Neurology. 2020. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01042Yang D, Huang W, Wu C, et al.Acute sleep deprivation exacerbates systemic inflammation and psychiatry disorders through gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of circadian rhythms. Microbiological Research. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127292Bhatt S, Devadoss T, Jha N, et al.Targeting inflammation: a potential approach for the treatment of depression.Metabolic Brain Disease. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s11011-022-01095-1
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine StatPearls.Acute Inflammatory Response.National Library of Medicine StatPearls.In Brief: What Is an Inflammation?National Institute of Environmental Health Services.Inflammation.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Arthritis.van den Bosch M, Blom A, van der Kraan P.Inflammation in osteoarthritis: our view on its presence and involvement in disease development over the years.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.12.005Dainese P, Mahieu H, De Mits S, et al.Association between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.RMD Open. 2023. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002945Parraga J, Castellanos A.A manifesto in defense of pain complexity: a critical review of essential insights in pain neuroscience. 2023. doi: 10.3390/jcm12227080Aziz T, Hussain N, Hameed Z, et al.Elucidating the role of diet in maintaining gut health to reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and other age-related inflammatory diseases: recent challenges and future recommendations.Gut Microbes. 2024. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Crohn’s Disease.Dzierzewski J, Donovan E, Kay D, et al.Sleep inconsistency and markers of inflammation.Frontiers in Neurology. 2020. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01042Yang D, Huang W, Wu C, et al.Acute sleep deprivation exacerbates systemic inflammation and psychiatry disorders through gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of circadian rhythms. Microbiological Research. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127292Bhatt S, Devadoss T, Jha N, et al.Targeting inflammation: a potential approach for the treatment of depression.Metabolic Brain Disease. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s11011-022-01095-1
National Library of Medicine StatPearls.Acute Inflammatory Response.
National Library of Medicine StatPearls.In Brief: What Is an Inflammation?
National Institute of Environmental Health Services.Inflammation.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Arthritis.
van den Bosch M, Blom A, van der Kraan P.Inflammation in osteoarthritis: our view on its presence and involvement in disease development over the years.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.12.005
Dainese P, Mahieu H, De Mits S, et al.Association between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.RMD Open. 2023. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002945
Parraga J, Castellanos A.A manifesto in defense of pain complexity: a critical review of essential insights in pain neuroscience. 2023. doi: 10.3390/jcm12227080
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Crohn’s Disease.
Dzierzewski J, Donovan E, Kay D, et al.Sleep inconsistency and markers of inflammation.Frontiers in Neurology. 2020. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01042
Yang D, Huang W, Wu C, et al.Acute sleep deprivation exacerbates systemic inflammation and psychiatry disorders through gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of circadian rhythms. Microbiological Research. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127292
Bhatt S, Devadoss T, Jha N, et al.Targeting inflammation: a potential approach for the treatment of depression.Metabolic Brain Disease. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s11011-022-01095-1
