Inflammation is both good and bad for your body. The reason that inflammation is a good thing is that when there is a threat to the body, it swells up to prevent an infection or serious injury.
This is why the injured area of your body becomes inflamed after you end up with a burn, a sprain, or frostbite. This is called acute inflammation and the blood vessels dilate. But once there is no more sign of any further threat, then the inflammation subsides.
However, when inflammation is chronic, that is not normal. And it is a sign that there is an underlying condition causing chronic inflammation. You may not even be aware of it which is why chronic inflammation can be subtle. Let’s look at the 9 signs of hidden inflammation that you are experiencing and don’t know it.
Fatigue
When you are dealing with extreme tiredness that you cannot shake off, that is a result of fatigue. You struggle to get out of bed and doing simple tasks seems to be too difficult to do. That is a sign of chronic inflammation right there. And there are plenty of ailments that cause fatigue such as many autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Pain In The Joints
Consistent joint pain is linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system mistakes the joints as infections and therefore, it causes the chemicals that cause inflammation to be released and it is the reason that there is constant pain and swelling around the joints.
Digestive Problems
If you are constantly dealing with gas and bloating, then the digestive tract is inflamed. There could be many reasons for this such as food allergies, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If it keeps up for months, then you need to see the doctor get to the bottom of why you are having these digestive problems.
A Nose That Is Runny And Eyes That Are Itchy
The T-zone area on your face which includes your nose and eyes are watery and runny and this is a result of chronic inflammation in that area. The most common cause is allergies as that area is full of histamines which is the cause for it. Allergy medication can help reduce this problem but you will want to go to an allergist if this issue persists despite taking medication.
Skin Rash That Is Persistent
If you have a skin rash that never goes a way, then it could be a result of chronic dermatitis which means that the skin cells are inflamed chronically. If you have dry patches as well that are itchy, then you will want to see your dermatologist.
Constant Coughing With Sputum
If you are constantly coughing and coughing up phlegm or sputum, then your bronchial tubes are inflamed. It can be a result of an infection of bronchitis or other problems with the lungs that will need to be checked by the doctor.
Inflamed Gums
If your gums are inflamed and it is chronic then you could have gingivitis which can cause other serious health problems and consequences. The gums that are chronically inflamed can be infected which can not just lead to problems with the teeth that are permanent but can lead to heart disease as well. Always floss daily, and brush your teeth at least twice a day, and see your dentist on a regular basis to keep your gums healthy.
Depression
You would not think that depression which is characterized by constant sadness, hopelessness and low energy is a result of inflammation. However, it is. Depression is caused by inflammation in the brain which blocks the important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Antidepressants can help but there are other ways to manage depression with the help of your doctor.
Obesity
When you lose weight, you don’t really lose fat cells. They just become less inflamed as a result of a calorie deficit. However, when you are gaining weight to the point of obesity, it is a result of the fat cells becoming inflamed, And when the fat cells are inflamed, then it can cause inflammation in other areas which is why there is a link to systemic inflammation. This can be dangerous to your body as a whole. This causes heart disease risks, cancer risks, as well as risk for diabetes.
Therefore, if your body and health feel off, then it is likely a result of chronic inflammation which is not normal. The source of it needs to be treated.
