Inflammation Symptoms - Causes & Treatment

Inflammation can affect many body parts.  Common symptoms of inflammation are pain and discomfort.  The pain can be extensive and can vary – it can throb, pulsate, or be a pinching or stabbing pain. Joint and muscle pain are often due to inflammation.

Other symptoms of inflammation can include:

• Immobility and loss of function
• Redness
• Swelling from an accumulation of fluid
• Heat or unusual warmness in and near the affected area

Acute inflammation starts fast and becomes severe but can go away in several days.  Acute inflammation can be beneficial as it is the body’s attempt to recover after an injury or repair damaged tissue.  It can also be a sign that your body is fighting viruses or bacteria. 

Chronic inflammation is long term and can last for months or even years.  Chronic inflammation may be due to poor diet, too little exercise, being overweight, stress, environmental factors such as pollution, bad oral health, or too much alcohol consumption.

Consult a doctor if you have any of the following diseases:

• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancers, including colon, liver and stomach cancers
• Cardiovascular disease
• Crohn’s disease of the digestive tract
• Diabetes
• Genetic disorders
• Infection
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Diagnosing Inflammation

Your primary care doctor or urgent care provider may recommend a series of blood tests to evaluate areas of inflammation in your body. He or she may also perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. While mild inflammation is usually not cause for alarm, it’s important to see a medical professional to ensure that the condition isn’t a sign of something more serious.