What is inflammation, and why is it a silent killer?

by Neha E SOct 17, 2022

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is our body's in-built and natural way to fight and remove harmful foreign substances from our body with the help of immune cells.

Then why is it considered harmful?

While inflammation is necessary to clear pathogens and repair injuries, it should only be short-lived. When it persists for a long time, without any apparent reason, then it starts creating problems.

What is inflammation, and why is it a silent killer? Infographics

Types of inflammation?

Acute inflammation: The response to infections and sudden body injury such as cutting your finger. To heal the cut, your body sends inflammatory cells to the damage.

Chronic inflammation: Your body continues sending inflammatory cells even when there is no outside danger.

Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to ailments caused by chronic inflammation.

More than 50% of all deaths attributes to inflammation-related diseases.

Inflammation paves the way for:

Heart disease
Fatty liver disease
Endometriosis
Diabetes mellitus
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease
Asthma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Obesity
Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Cancer
Ulcers

Common causes of inflammation

Sensitivity: The body can be sensitive to external factors like chemicals, climate, drugs, food, etc., which can trigger an allergic reaction and subsequent inflammation.

Exposure: Chronic inflammation can occasionally be by prolonged, low-level exposure to an irritant and toxic chemicals.

Autoimmune disorders:Conditions where the immune system unintentionally targets normal, healthy tissue. Eg: Lupus and psoriasis

Genetics and auto-inflammatory disorders

Persistent acute inflammation: In some circumstances, an individual may not fully heal from acute inflammation. This can occasionally cause chronic inflammation.

Risk factors of chronic inflammation