Knowledge about Inflammation

inflammation is a vital part of the body's immune response. It is the body's attempt to heal itself after an injury; defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria; and repair damaged tissue.

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic (sometimes called systemic) inflammation. Acute inflammation arises after a cut or scrape in the skin, an infected ingrown nail, a sprained ankle, acute bronchitis, a sore throat, tonsillitis or appendicitis. It is short-term and the effects subside after a few days.

Anti-inflammatory drugs
The most common anti-inflammatory drugs are over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin). They are used to treat fever, pain and swelling. They are often used for short-term afflictions like headaches, fevers associated with colds and flus, menstrual periods and strained or sprained muscles. They can also be used to treat more chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain, though often this is done at a doctor’s discretion. In prescription doses, they are sometimes used for post-surgery pain relief, according to the National Institutes of Health.

These drugs are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). They work by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which produces prostaglandins, according to MedicineNet. Without cyclooxygenase, the swelling, pain and fever of inflammation do not happen.

Other anti-inflammatory drugs include corticosteroids, which are often found in inhalers for people with asthma. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling by reducing the production of chemicals involved in inflammation. They reduce the activity of white blood cells, too, thereby potentially impacting immunity, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Scientists are researching NSAIDS as a potential treatment or prevention for cancer, but so far have not produced definitive results according to the Mayo Clinic.

People concerned with chronic inflammation should adopt diet and lifestyle changes rather than wait for drugs, which according to the Harvard Medical School, are “a long way off, bound to be expensive and will almost certainly have side effects.”