Inflammatory disease

Inflammatory Disease is a broad term used to describe conditions that result in inflammation, a response by the body's immune system to an irritant. This can include a wide range of disorders and diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and Crohn's disease.

Definition

Inflammatory diseases are characterized by the body's immune system causing damage to its own tissues. The immune system mistakenly triggers an inflammatory response even though there are no foreign substances to fight off. This results in chronic inflammation, which can lead to tissue damage.

Types of Inflammatory Diseases

There are many different types of inflammatory diseases, including:

• Autoimmune diseases: These occur when the body's immune system attacks its own cells, leading to inflammation. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

• Allergies: These are inflammatory responses to substances that are generally not harmful, such as pollen or pet dander.

• Asthma: This is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. It is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases: These are chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of inflammatory diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific disease and the individual. However, common symptoms can include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Heat
• Loss of function in the affected area

Treatment

Treatment for inflammatory diseases typically involves managing symptoms and preventing further inflammation. This can include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can also help manage symptoms.

See Also

• Chronic inflammation
• Acute inflammation
• Immune system
• Autoimmune disease