Usually, when the body activates the immune system, it sends out inflammatory cells. These cells attack bacteria or heal damaged tissue. However, if the body begins to send out inflammatory cells when the person is not sick or has injury, such a situation is a clear indication that the person may be dealing with chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a symptom of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease.
Chronic inflammation is also referred to as slow, long-term inflammation that can last for a long time. The extent and effects of chronic inflammation vary with the cause of the injury and the ability of the body to repair and overcome the damage.
A major concern of chronic inflammation is that the body’s inflammatory response can eventually start damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Over time, this can lead to DNA damage, tissue death, and internal scarring. The body always gives signs of chronic inflammation, some of which may appear unusual, as in the instances explained below.
Balance problems
One of the unusual signs of chronic inflammation manifests in case of multiple sclerosis, whereby the body’s immune system attacks nerve coatings. That makes it harder for nerve signals to get through. When that happens, the person may feel dizzy or off-balance, especially when walking.When you observe this a number of times when you are engaged in ordinary and normal activities of life, you should see a doctor.
Insulin resistance
Insulin helps control the blood sugar level. Inflammation could affect how well your insulin works. It’s not yet clear exactly why this happens. 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 is referred to as myositis. This could start to break down muscle fibre and make you weaker. It usually happens slowly, most often in the 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, or 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. Diarrhea is one thing that can happen. Others are 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. Talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Early treatment can help you manage your condition better.
You’re always tired
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. Talk to your doctor if you have a sudden drop in energy. It could be a sign of an underlying illness. It may be treatable, too.
Livedo reticularis rash
This purplish, marbled rash looks webbed like lace. Inflammatory conditions (like lupus and anti-phospholipid syndrome) can cause it. You’d usually get this on your arms and legs. You might notice it more in the cold. There’s not much you can do to treat the rash itself, but your doctor may be able to treat the problem that causes it. Your rash might go away on its own. Talk to your doctor if it doesn’t or if you notice nodules or sores.
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
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. Only your doctor can tell if you have hardening of the arteries.
Blood clotting
Inflammation from trauma, surgery, or diseases like anti-phospholipid 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.
• Adapted from webmd.com