Since the inflammatory process Inflammatory process in the body - causes, symptoms and course. How does stasis of blood and lymph occur?

Physiologist I. Mechnikov in the 19th century suggested that any inflammation is nothing more than an adaptive reaction of the body. And modern research proves that a small inflammation in itself is not terrible if it is not prolonged. The reaction of the body is really aimed at protecting and recovering from exposure to negative factors.

The treatment of inflammation is reduced to the establishment of the factor that provokes it, and the direct elimination of the negative impact and its consequences. The reactions of the body are diverse, and it is not easy to understand the complex processes inside the focus of the disease. But let's try anyway.

What is inflammation? The reasons. Pain processing in the brain

Inflammation is a reaction that is characterized by the emergence of pathological processes and adaptive mechanisms.

The causes of such reactions are various environmental factors - chemical irritants, bacteria, injuries. It is characterized by an active process of protecting the body, the appearance in the blood of a large number of biologically active substances - intracellular and plasma mediators. Therefore, to diagnose inflammation of the internal organs, they take blood for a general and biochemical analysis, where they study such indicators as the level of ESR, the number of leukocytes, and others.

In the process of inflammation, the necessary antibodies to viruses and bacteria are produced. Without them, our immune system would not develop, would not be strengthened with age.

The first reaction to tissue damage is, of course, a sharp pain. This sensation of pain, nerve endings, irritated by neurotransmitters, are poisoned in the central nervous system.

Pain signals are transmitted to the medulla oblongata, and from there to the cerebral cortex. And they are already being processed here. Damage to the areas of the cortex responsible for somatosensory signals leads to a decrease in the ability not only to feel pain, but also to perceive the temperature of one's own body.

Autoimmune reactions

Separately, it must be said about the autoimmune causes of the inflammatory process. What is autoimmune inflammation? The disease is characterized by the production of antibodies to one's own cells, not foreign ones. This reaction of the body is not well understood. But it is believed that some kind of genetic failure plays a role here.

Widely known is such an autoimmune disease as systemic lupus erythematosus. It is impossible to cure the disease completely, but a person can stop the inflammation by constantly taking medications.

Discoid lupus affects only the skin. Its main symptom is butterfly syndrome - bright red spots with swelling on the cheeks.

And systemic - affects many systems, the lungs, joints, heart muscle suffer, and it happens that the nervous system.

The joints are especially affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which is also an autoimmune disease. The onset of the disease is most likely at the age of 20-40 years, and women are affected more often by about 8 times.

Stages of inflammation

The stronger the protective complex in a person, that is, his immune system, the faster the body will cope in stressful situations without outside help.

For example, a person cut his finger or drove a splinter into his hand. At the site of damage, of course, an inflammatory process will begin, which is conditionally divided into 3 stages. There are the following stages:

1. Alterations (from lat. altere - change). At this stage, when tissues are damaged, structural, functional and chemical changes begin. Distinguish between primary and secondary alteration. This stage automatically starts the 2nd phase.
2. Exudation. During this period, emigration of blood cells and active phagocytosis are observed. In this phase, exudate and infiltrate are formed.
3. Proliferation is the separation of healthy tissues from damaged ones and the beginning of the repair process. There is a cleansing of tissues and restoration of the microcirculatory bed.

But when the soft subcutaneous tissues are inflamed, a different inflammation takes place, and the stages are different.

1. The stage of serous impregnation.
2. Infiltration.
3. Suppuration - when an abscess or phlegmon appears.

In the first and second stages, cold or hot compresses are usually used. But in the stage of suppuration, the intervention of a surgeon is already necessary.

Types and forms

In medicine, there is a special classification that determines how dangerous inflammation is and how long it takes to treat it.

There are such types of reactions of the body:

• local or systemic inflammation - by localization;
• acute, subacute, chronic - by duration;
• normergic and hypergic - in severity.

The concept of hyperinflammation means that the reaction to the stimulus exceeds the norm.

Consider also the forms in which an acute reaction occurs.

• Granulomatous inflammation is a productive form in which the main morphological substrate of the granuloma is a small nodule.
• Interstitial - the second type of productive form, in which an infiltrate is formed in some organs (kidneys, lungs).
• Purulent - with the formation of a thick fluid, which includes neutrophils.
• Hemorrhagic - when red blood cells pass into the exudate, which is typical for severe forms of influenza.
• Catarrhal - inflammation of the mucous membranes, with the presence of mucus in the exudate.
• Putrid - characterized by necrotic processes and the formation of a bad odor.
• Fibrinous - with the defeat of mucous and serous tissues. It is characterized by the presence of fibrin.
• Mixed.

The doctor must definitely clarify this part of the diagnosis at the appointment and explain what is happening with the patient's body and why these manifestations must be treated to the end, and not just relieve the symptoms.

Common Symptoms

A few simple, well-known signs accompany any inflammation. We list the symptoms, starting with the most famous - fever.

1. Raising the temperature in the inflamed tissue by 1 or 2 degrees is natural. After all, there is an influx of arterial blood to a sore spot, and arterial blood, unlike venous blood, has a slightly higher temperature - 37 0 C. The second reason for overheating of tissues is an increase in the metabolic rate.
2. Pain. Many receptors located near the affected area are irritated by mediators. As a result, we experience pain.
3. Redness is also easily explained by a rush of blood.
4. The tumor is explained by the appearance of exudate - a special fluid that is released from the blood into the tissues.
5. Violation of the functions of the damaged organ or tissue.

Inflammation that is not immediately cured becomes chronic, and then the treatment will be even more difficult. Science now knows that chronic pain travels to the brain through other, slower nerve pathways. And getting rid of it over the years is more and more difficult.

In addition to the main signs, there are also general symptoms of inflammation, visible only to a doctor, when studying a blood test:

• changes in hormonal composition;
• leukocytosis;
• changes in blood proteins;
• change in the enzyme composition;
• an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Mediators that are in an inactivated state in the blood are very important. These substances provide a regularity in the development of a protective reaction.

The production of mediators during tissue inflammation

Mediators include histamine, prostaglandin, and serotonin. Mediators are released when stimuli occur. Microbes or special substances that are released from dead cells activate a certain type of mediators. The main cells that produce such biological substances are platelets and neutrophils. However, some smooth muscle cells, the endothelium, are also capable of producing these enzymes.

Mediators of plasma origin are constantly present in the blood, but must be activated through a series of cleavages. Plasma active substances are produced by the liver. For example, the membrane attack complex.

The complement system, which is also synthesized in our biological filter, always resides in the blood, but is in an inactive state. It is activated only through a cascade process of transformations, when it notices a foreign element that has entered the body.

In the development of inflammation, mediators such as anaphylotoxins are indispensable. These are glycoproteins involved in allergic reactions. This is where the name anaphylactic shock comes from. They release histamine from mast cells and basophils. And they also activate the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS). In inflammation, it regulates the process of blood clotting. It is the activation of this system that leads to reddening of the skin around the damaged area.

Once activated, mediators rapidly decompose and help cleanse living cells. The so-called macrophages are designed to absorb waste, bacteria and destroy them inside themselves.

In connection with this information, we can answer the question of what inflammation is. This is the production of protective enzymes and the disposal of decomposition waste.

Inflammation of the glands

Let's start with a review of inflamed tissues. There are many glands in the human body - pancreas, thyroid, salivary glands, male prostate - this is a connective tissue that can also be affected by inflammation under certain conditions. Symptoms and treatment for inflammation of individual glands are different, since these are different body systems.

Let's talk, for example, about sialadenitis - inflammation of the gland with saliva. The disease occurs under the influence of various factors: due to structural changes, diabetes or bacterial infection.

Symptoms are:

• temperature rise;
• pain during chewing;
• feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• painful formation and swelling in the area of ​​​​the location of the glands, another.

However, the salivary glands do not often bother people. Much more often they complain of thyroiditis - inflammation of the gland, which is responsible for most hormonal functions - this is the thyroid gland.

Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, is accompanied by weakness, mood swings from apathy to anger, swelling in the neck, increased sweating, decreased sexual function, and weight loss.

Thyroiditis is more common in women than in men, almost 10 times. According to statistics, every 5th woman suffers from goiter disease. Inflammation in men of the thyroid gland occurs much more often at the age of 70 years or more.

Due to neglect, the disease progresses and leads to the fact that the gland sharply reduces its functions.

Recall the importance of the pancreas for the body. Damage to this organ impairs digestion and occurs, in fact, due to malnutrition. A person with pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation of the pancreas, has to constantly drink the enzymes of this gland, which itself is already functioning poorly.

Pyelonephritis

Nephrites are various inflammatory diseases of the kidneys. What are the causes of inflammation in this case? Pyelonephritis occurs when the urinary organs are affected by some kind of infection. What is pyelonephritis in fact and how it manifests itself? Microorganisms grow in the renal tangle, and the patient feels severe pain and weakness.

The tissues of the organ gradually damaged by microorganisms become overgrown with scars, and the organ performs its functions worse. Both kidneys can be damaged, then kidney failure quickly develops and the person will eventually be forced to undergo dialysis from time to time to cleanse their body.

Acute pyelonephritis should be suspected when pain, discomfort begin in the kidney area, and the temperature rises. A person experiences severe pain in the lower back, and the temperature can rise up to 40 0 ​​C, severe sweating. Excruciating muscle weakness, sometimes nausea.

A doctor can determine the exact cause of a fever by examining the composition of urine and blood tests. The acute stage of the disease must be treated in a hospital, where the doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy and antispasmodics for pain.

Toothache and osteomyelitis

Improper care of the teeth or damage to the crowns provokes a condition such as inflammation of the tooth root. What is tooth inflammation? This is a very painful condition that requires special treatment, and immediate.

Penetration into the root of the tooth infection has serious consequences. Sometimes such inflammation in an adult begins after an incorrect rough treatment by a dentist. You need to have your own highly qualified dentist that you trust.

If, against the background of the inflammatory process, osteomyelitis develops in the jaw area, the pain will be so severe that most classic analgesics will not help either.

Osteomyelitis is a nonspecific purulent-inflammatory process that affects both bone tissue, periosteum, and even surrounding soft tissues. But the most common cause of the disease is bone fracture.

Facial nerve and manifestations of inflammation

What is inflammation? This is primarily a violation of the physiological functions of the tissue. Nervous tissue is also sometimes affected due to certain circumstances. The most well-known is such an inflammatory disease as neuritis - a lesion of the facial nerve. The pain from neuritis is sometimes simply unbearable, and a person has to drink the strongest painkillers.

To take any steps in the treatment, you must first determine the cause. This may be due to chronic inflammation of the sinuses or meningitis. Such inflammation leads to exposure to a draft or ordinary infections. There are many reasons.

If the facial or trigeminal nerve is damaged, there is a hum in the ears, pain. In the acute form of inflammation, the corner of the mouth rises slightly, and the eyeball protrudes.

Of course, inflammation of the nerve does not go unnoticed. And that means that immediately, at the first symptoms, you need to consult a doctor and choose the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of inflammation of the nerve lasts at least 6 months. There are special preparations of both the old and the new generation to relieve symptoms. A neurologist should choose a medicine. Without a doctor, it is impossible to choose an anesthetic medicine, because each drug has its own contraindications and can damage the heart or nervous activity of the body.

Pathological processes of the reproductive system

The genitourinary system in women and men today also suffers from constant stress and fatigue. Women are increasingly diagnosed with oophoritis - inflammation of the appendages. Invariably, this pathological process, without treatment, spreads to the fallopian tubes, and adnexitis begins.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes is also accompanied by severe pain and weakness. The monthly cycle is disturbed: in some women, menstruation becomes too plentiful, with the release of lumps. And the first 2 days of menstruation are very painful. Others have the exact opposite effect. That is, menstruation is waning. Pain and specific discharge with a smell are the main signs of inflammation of the female genital organs.

The infection penetrates in various ways: sometimes through the defeat of neighboring organs, from the external genital organs, and much less often enters the appendages with the bloodstream.

Chronic adnexitis, which led to scarring, can lead to infertility. Therefore, the treatment of inflammation in women should take place on time and under the supervision of a gynecologist.

In men, due to weakened immunity and infection in the urethra, urethritis occurs. The causes of inflammation are various biological microbes: the herpes virus, staphylococci, Candida fungus. Due to the fact that the urethra of men is longer, the inflammatory process in them is more difficult and takes longer to heal. Symptoms of inflammation of the urethra - frequent trips to the toilet at night and the presence of blood in the urine, pain.

Another common and painful problem that comes to men is prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate is hidden, and not many men are aware of the early manifestations of the disease. Representatives of the stronger sex should pay attention to pain in the lower abdomen, frequent trips to the toilet and incomprehensible chills.

Running chronic prostatitis is complicated by suppuration. Then the patient needs to be operated on.

Treatment of inflammation of various origins

As we have understood, inflammation plays an important role. This reaction should save the whole body, sacrificing some of the damaged cells, which are gradually replaced by connective tissue.

But large-scale prolonged inflammation draws all the forces out of the body, depletes a person and can lead to complications. Due to the risk of complications, all measures must be taken on time.

Treatment of any inflammation occurs after determining the cause. It is necessary to pass all the required tests and tell the doctor about the complaints, that is, give an anamnesis. If antibodies to bacteria are found in the blood, then the doctor will prescribe antibacterial drugs. High temperature should be brought down by any antipyretic agents.

If the reaction is caused by chemical irritants, you need to cleanse the body of the poison.

For the treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergic manifestations, drugs called immunosuppressants are needed, which should reduce the excessive immune response.

There are several groups of such drugs, some of them have a greater effect on cellular immunity, others on humoral. The best known prednisone, betamethazole, cortisone are glucocorticoids. There are also cytostatic drugs and immunophile agonists. Some of them have a toxic effect on the body. Children, for example, are shown chlorambucil, since others will be unsafe for them.

Antibiotics

Modern antibiotics are divided into 3 main types: natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic. Natural ones are made from plants, mushrooms, tissues of some fish.

While taking antibiotics for inflammation, it is imperative to take probiotics - “life-restoring” agents.

Antibiotics are also divided into groups according to their chemical composition. The first group is penicillin. All antibiotics of this group cure pneumonia and severe tonsillitis well.

Cephalosporin preparations are very similar in composition to penicillins. A lot of them have already been synthesized. They help fight viruses well, but can cause allergies.

The group of macrolides is designed to combat chlamydia and toxoplasma. Separately invented antibiotics aminoglycosides, which are prescribed when sepsis has begun, and there is an antifungal group of drugs.

What do such seemingly different diseases as heart attack, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease have in common? As recent studies show, they are based on chronic inflammatory processes that occur inside the body. “What provokes them” and “how to “patch” the damage” - our health and longevity depend on the answers to these questions.

ENEMY IN NON-STOP MODE

The inflammatory process is an evolutionarily developed reaction of the body to any damage. It is an important part of our immunity and a condition for maintaining life and health. For example, you cut yourself while cooking dinner. Literally in a matter of minutes, the wound site turns red and swells, pain appears. Moreover, each component of inflammation is not random. Dilation of blood vessels is necessary to deliver white blood cells and plasma to the site of injury, which destroy pathogens. Swelling at the site of an injury is the result of an accumulation of plasma and white blood cells and a sign that they are working to repair damaged tissue. The pain makes you treat yourself with care, does not allow you to use the organ until the moment of recovery.

Internal inflammatory processes also perform a powerful protective function: they destroy damaged and infected own cells, viruses. By the way, it is on this that the recommendations of therapists are based on the fact that antipyretic drugs are not always needed and impede recovery, since fever is an important assistant in the fight against infection.

In most cases, we do not notice or ignore internal inflammatory processes, because they do not remind of themselves as brightly as a cut: well, who goes to the doctor if you feel slightly nauseated in the morning or have bad breath. That is why everything is gradually moving into a chronic sluggish mode. The body's resources are depleted, and viruses, various bacterial infections, cancer cells, which are not afraid of the body with a strong immune system, begin to multiply actively. Think of friends who died of a heart attack, but until the very moment of death they showed no symptoms of cardiovascular disease. It seems like they didn't even exist! In fact, a latent inflammatory process has been going on in the body for a long time. Or, for example, we are all afraid of cancer, but this fear is akin to wandering in a dark room in which we stubbornly refuse to turn on the light. If you are even a little interested in the question, then from any serious study you will learn that chronic inflammatory processes play an almost leading role in the development of many types of cancer - colon, stomach, lung and breast cancer. They create an ideal environment in the human body for the existence of so-called free radicals. If a healthy DNA cell is constantly exposed to them, it will eventually degenerate into a malignant one.

SYMPTOMS OF INFLAMMATION

Your well-being can also indicate the presence of an inflammatory process:

Moderate joint pain

Muscle pain, the cause or nature of which you cannot understand

Weakness

Rash or redness, itching

Flu or cold-like symptoms

Headache for no apparent reason

CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION

There are many factors, and, of course, we are not able to influence many, for example, ecology, heredity, natural aging of the body. But there are some that we can control.

SUGAR. If small doses of fructose in fruits and vegetables do not cause problems for the body, then the added doses of sugar are clearly harmful to it. With increased consumption of sugar in the body, the so-called glycation occurs more intensively. Glycation leads to the production of free radicals. Many scientific studies have linked high sugar intake to diabetes, liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. Fructose causes inflammation in the endothelial cells that make up the surface of blood vessels, and this is a direct path to a heart attack. If you want to reduce the intensity of the course of inflammatory processes, it is worth temporarily eliminating foods that have added sugar in their composition from your diet.

GLUTEN AND CASEIN. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and other products made from these cereals, it is added to sauces, yogurt, ice cream, instant coffee, cheese. Casein is found in whey products. Scientific studies suggest that both gluten and casein act as food allergens and can contribute to inflammatory processes in the small intestine, the manifestation of which are diseases such as esophagitis, gastroenteritis, enteritis, colitis, heart, joints suffer. Refusing or limiting these products and observing the body, positive changes can be seen as early as the third week.

TRANS FAT. They appeared in our diet relatively recently, speaking conditionally - they are analogues of butter and natural fat. Small concentrations of trans fats in food will not cause harm. But we consume them too much. A huge amount of trans fats contain, for example, various industrial confectionery products. Studies have shown that consumption of trans fats is primarily an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you want a donut, make your own with proven ingredients. Or read the label carefully. If you see the words "hydrogenated fats, hydrogenated fats, partially hydrogenated fats, combined fats", you better look for something else.

ALCOHOL. Physiologically, alcohol can be broken down in our body. But this reaction produces toxic by-products that trigger inflammation. The liver is the main organ involved in the process of breaking down and processing alcohol. This means that when we drink alcohol, inflammation first develops in the liver. Too much alcohol prevents the liver from resting and clearing out toxins. Where is the line between "it's not scary yet" and "already overkill"? There is no single answer. A dose of alcohol that is safe for a healthy (!) Liver is 20 ml of pure alcohol per day (200 ml of wine). But those who drink “a little bit” every day are no less likely to get liver problems than those who drink “drunk Fridays”. The same is with smoking, that is, while your body is struggling with the harm caused by smoking, it does not have enough strength, for example, to stop the process of inflammation in the vessels, which after a while will make itself felt.

CHRONIC STRESS- one of the most non-obvious causes of inflammation. Nevertheless, stress increases the level of the hormone norepinephrine in the blood, as a result, stem cells begin to actively produce neutrophils and monocytes. Such a reaction to stress is biologically quite justified: a person needs it to quickly cope with wounds and prevent infection. However, in the case of chronic stress, the situation is different: no injuries and infections are expected, but psychological stress signals continue to come. As a result, the immune system works in vain.

LIFE WITHOUT INFLAMMATION

It is possible and even necessary to manage latent inflammation. What leverage do we have.

REGULARLY EXAMINE THE BODY

A detailed general blood test allows you to timely determine the presence of pathology, which makes it possible to avoid serious complications.

An increased content of leukocytes will indicate the inflammatory process. With an increase in this indicator, as a rule, diseases of an inflammatory or infectious nature, allergies, diseases of the liver, and blood are noted.

neutrophil counts. Neutrophils are called blood cells, which make up the bulk of leukocytes. Infection is indicated by a decrease in the number of mature cells and an increase in stab neutrophils. This is due to the fact that when pathogens are destroyed, segmented blood cells themselves die. In this case, the bone marrow compensates for their lack by producing more neutrophils, which in an accelerated process enter the bloodstream without fully maturing.

Another indicator is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). With the development of pathologies, the mass of erythrocytes (one of the elements of the blood) fluctuates in the direction of decreasing or increasing, and the rate of their sedimentation also changes in direct proportion to this. If red blood cells settle at an accelerated rate, then this indicates acute, chronic infections, inflammation, anemia, poisoning, and allergies.

Biochemical blood test for C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein (CRP) is synthesized in the liver and plays a protective role in the body. This is one of the most reliable indicators of hidden inflammatory processes: the higher its level, the more likely it is to have an infection, injury, tumor, diabetes, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and other serious diseases. It has been proven that a high level of CRP is directly related to the risk of developing a heart attack in the near future. Ideal CRP values ​​are below 1.

Analysis for glycated hemoglobin. It shows the average blood sugar level over a 90 day period. Today, this analysis is coming to the fore as a key test for indicating health and longevity, as glycation is a biochemical abnormality that occurs in many chronic diseases and inflammation.

Homocysteine ​​analysis. Homocysteine ​​is an amino acid required for the synthesis of other important substances in the body. Studies that were conducted back in 2009 showed that elevated plasma levels of homocysteine ​​predict the risk of cardiovascular disease even better than indicators such as cholesterol, blood pressure. Elevated homocysteine ​​levels are also associated with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and rheumatoid problems.

The normal range of homocysteine ​​in the blood for healthy people is considered to be 5-15 µmol / l, but it is necessary to strive for indicators of 6.

High homocysteine ​​levels are most often caused by a deficiency in vitamins such as B12, folic acid (B9), and B6. The whole group or individual vitamins. Unfortunately, many of these vitamins are often deficient.

These analyzes are screening, that is, primary. If deviations are detected, additional examinations are necessary for a more accurate study of the state of the organs and systems of the body.

Establish nutrition

Fish for every home. Fish is a storehouse of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It was noted that among people who regularly consumed fish, there were much fewer deaths from stroke, heart attack, and also a 60% lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who did not eat fish at all. For this, you should fall in love with fish and start eating it 1-2 times a week. Stew or steam it, but don't fry! And try not to buy fish in oil, because Omega-3 "leaks" from the meat into the surrounding oil. Omega-3 deficiency can also be replenished with supplements.

Include fruits and vegetables in your daily menu. A hackneyed truth that does not become less relevant from this. Vegetables, fruits, herbs are a real storehouse of anti-inflammatory components. Russian studies have shown that pectins have anti-inflammatory properties. These substances from apples and citrus prevent the absorption of fast carbohydrates, mitigating their negative impact on health. In addition to apples and citrus fruits, pectins are found in peaches, apricots, currants, gooseberries and other berries, as well as in potatoes, beets, carrots and onions. Green vegetables and in particular greens contain vitamin K - a necessary condition for relieving many symptoms of inflammation and accelerating the process of recovery and recovery. Ideally, 1/2 of the plate should be plant-based.

Let's switch to green tea. Studies have shown that those who regularly drink green tea are less likely to develop inflammation. It's all about the catechins that this type of tea is rich in. It successfully reduces the level of C-reactive protein. Especially green tea is useful for people with bowel diseases.

Herbs and spices not only enrich the taste of dishes, but also help the body fight inflammation in a natural way. Add a pinch of turmeric to vegetable dishes and soups along with freshly ground pepper: the antioxidant curcumin contained in it is absorbed by the body in the presence of capsaicin, which is rich in pepper.

Ginger root is a supplier of the substance gingerol, it is thanks to him that ginger has its spicy spicy taste. This substance significantly dilates blood vessels, contributing to better blood circulation, which is very important for stopping inflammation.

Garlic Helps relieve arthritis pain, reduce nausea, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, and remove heavy metals from the body.

Among the useful properties carnations- improved digestion, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, as well as strengthening the immune system. Add cloves to soups and stews or hot drinks, and chew on them when you have a cold.

MOVE

Fat cells stimulate the occurrence of the inflammatory process. By dropping excess ballast, you will automatically reduce the amount of latent inflammation. But diet alone is not enough. It is important to maintain weight through physical activity. And we are not talking about exhausting workouts in the gym, but about elementary morning exercises and walking for at least one hour in the evening or a daily half-hour jog.

TIMELY TREAT INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

Oral diseases are a common type of inflammation that occurs in almost everyone. There is scientific evidence regarding the relationship between general inflammation of the body and its local foci like gingivitis. So do not forget to visit the dentist regularly to stop the outbreak, and take care of the oral cavity. It's not that difficult: brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, use dental floss.

In our body, everything is closely interconnected: physiology and psychology are intertwined in their impact on our health. Therefore, one of the effective ways to influence the regulation of the inflammatory process and overcome chronic diseases, which is in our hands, is to improve digestion and abandon a toxic lifestyle.

Today I would like to publish an article that is devoted to the problem of the inflammatory process in the body. This article is replete with special medical terms, therefore, although it considers the causes and symptoms of inflammation, it will be of interest to few. I publish it primarily for myself. So to speak, note. Well, maybe some of you will find it useful.

The mechanism of development of the inflammatory process

Many external signs of inflammation are explained just by the development of arterial hyperemia. As the inflammatory process increases, arterial hyperemia is gradually replaced by venous hyperemia.

Venous hyperemia is determined by further vasodilation, slowing down of blood flow, the phenomenon of marginal standing of leukocytes and their moderate emigration. A rather sharp increase in filtration processes, a violation of the rheological properties of the blood of the body.

Factors that influence the transition of arterial to venous hyperemia can be divided into two main groups: extravascular and intravascular.

Intravascular factors include - a strong thickening of the blood as a result of the transfer of a certain amount of plasma from the blood to the inflamed (damaged) tissue.

Parietal standing of leukocytes, swelling of the endothelium in an acidic environment, the formation of microthrombi - as a result of platelet aggregation and increased blood clotting.

Excessive accumulation in the focus of the inflammatory process of inflammatory mediators with a vasodilating effect along with hydrogen ions, exudate compression of the walls of veins and lymphatic vessels, these are extravascular factors.

Venous hyperemia initially leads to the development of prestasis - a jerky, pendulum-like movement of blood. During systole, blood moves from the artery to the veins, during diastole - in the opposite direction, since the blood encounters an obstacle to outflow through the vein in the form of increased blood pressure in them. And finally, the flow of blood due to blockage of blood vessels by cell aggregates or microthrombi completely stops, stasis develops.

How does stasis of blood and lymph occur?

Violation of microcirculation is a necessary prerequisite for the development of subsequent stages of inflammation. Only when the blood flow slows down and stops completely, it becomes possible to accumulate inflammatory mediators in a fairly short segment of the vascular bed.

Extravascular migration of leukocytes and their accumulation at the site of injury is one of the main phenomena in the inflammatory response. Without the release of leukocytes and their accumulation in one place in the form of an infiltrate, there is no inflammation.

The accumulation of cells in the focus of inflammation is called an inflammatory infiltrate. The cellular composition of the infiltrate significantly depends on the etiological factor.

In the event that inflammation is caused by pyogenic microbes (streptococci, staphylococci), then neutrophils predominate in the infiltrate. If it is caused by helminths or is allergic in nature, then eosinophilic granulocytes predominate.

In inflammation caused by pathogens of chronic infections (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, anthrax bacilli), the infiltrate contains a large number of mononuclear cells. Different blood cells migrate at different rates.

Mechnikov's law

The sequence of release of leukocytes into the focus of acute inflammation was first described by I. I. Mechnikov and learned the name of Mechnikov's law. According to this law, neutrophils are the first to enter the focus of acute inflammation, 1.5-2 hours after the onset of the altering agent, and the maximum accumulation of these cells occurs after 4-6 hours.

The emigrated neutrophils form an emergency line of defense and prepare the work front for macrophages. No wonder they are called "emergency response" cells. Then, after 3-4 hours, monocytes begin to come out. Last but not least, lymphocytes migrate.

Currently, the sequence of emigration is not explained by the simultaneous appearance of chemokines and molecules specific to different leukocytes.

The main place of leukocyte emigration is the postcapillary venule, since the endothelial cells lining the lumen of the venules have the greatest adhesive ability. The exit from the blood flow through the wall of postcapillary venules of leukocytes is preceded by their marginal standing, sticking to the inner surface of the vessel wall, facing the inflammation.

Adhesion (adhesion) of leukocytes to vascular endothelial cells has been given special attention in recent years, because the control of the process of interaction of leukocytes with the endothelium opens up fundamentally new ways to prevent an inflammatory reaction.

The creation of inhibitors of the synthesis of adhesive proteins or selective blockers of their receptors would make it possible to prevent the release of leukocytes from the vessels, and, consequently, to prevent the development of inflammation.

What is the reason for the higher adhesiveness of the endothelium at the sites of injury? So far, no definitive answer can be given to this question. Now this is associated with many factors, of which the most important is the increase in the synthesis of adhesive proteins by endothelial cells themselves under the influence of certain inflammatory mediators, in particular chemokines.

Adhesins are molecules that control adhesive reactions. They are produced not only by endothelial cells, but also by leukocytes.

Contribute to the adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium of microvessels and the changes that occur in the leukocytes themselves when they are activated. First, neutrophils in the initiation phase of inflammation are activated and form aggregates. Leukotrienes contribute to the aggregation of leukocytes.

And, secondly, some products secreted by the leukocytes themselves (lactoferrin) have adhesive properties and enhance adhesion.

After attaching to the endothelium, leukocytes begin to emigrate, penetrating through the inter-endothelial gaps. Recently, the existence of another way of emigration - transendothelial transfer - has been questioned.

Lymph cleansing video

Inflammation

Inflammation develops in response to injury, infection, or the introduction of some kind of irritant. Most people regard inflammation, which is accompanied by pain, swelling and redness, as a misfortune or a necessary evil. However, inflammation is actually a defensive reaction that the body needs to recover.

The immune system is the main body guard; at the slightest need, she enters the battle. It destroys bacteria and viruses, promotes recovery from injuries and diseases, adequately responds to external influences, and also to such an irritant as important for the human body as food. To all these influences, the immune system responds with a cascade of complex reactions, one of which is inflammation.

Plenty of evidence suggests that our diet has a lot to do with how the immune system functions. For example, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fatty acids, and whole grains is good at controlling inflammation, while a lean diet, based on fast food, meat, and dairy products, in contrast, promotes unwanted inflammatory responses.

Certain foods, particularly strawberries and lentils, have anti-inflammatory effects. Others, such as tomatoes and potatoes, on the contrary, increase the inflammatory response.

Types of inflammation

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation develops as a response of the body to injury (injury, wound), irritation, infection or allergen (from chemical agents to food). Chronic inflammation is a protracted process. Contribute to it: increased load on certain organs, general overload, as well as aging.

The first signs of acute inflammation are pain, swelling, redness, and heat. This is due to the expansion of blood vessels adjacent to the site of injury, as well as the involvement of soluble immunological factors in the focus that oppose the pathogenic stimulus. This is the initial stage of the healing process. In the event that healing does not occur for some reason, chronic inflammation develops, the cause of which is either hyperstimulation of the immune system, or its overactivity, or its inability to turn off (any combination of these three factors is possible). An example is systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that damages many organs.

Inflammatory process

Inflammation is the most common occurrence. Imagine what happens when we just cut or even pinch a finger: it immediately turns red, swells, we feel pain - in other words, the finger temporarily fails. The same thing happens when any part of the body is damaged, regardless of the location and nature of the damaging or irritating factor.

When this happens, most people rush to take some kind of anti-inflammatory pain reliever. This explains why such commonly available medicines have come out on top in the world in terms of sales. And yet we want to emphasize that inflammation is a positive phenomenon. It indicates that your immune system is functioning normally.

Characterization of the inflammatory response

• Redness
• Swelling
• Rise in temperature (sensation of warming)
• Loss of function

What it is?

Simply put, the suffix "it" (Greek "itis") is used to refer to inflammation in a particular place. For example, "arthritis" means inflammation of the joint ("artro" in Greek means "joint"). "Dermatitis" - inflammation of the skin ("derma" - "skin").

But not only the suffix "it" is used to denote inflammation. Inflammatory reactions are also characteristic of asthma, Crohn's disease (see), psoriasis and other diseases.

So, with signs of inflammation, you should not go into the first-aid kit, but it is better to remember that the inflammatory process reflects the natural reaction of your immune system, which has mobilized to fight the cause that caused it. Give your body freedom, and it will overcome the disease itself!

Three stages of inflammation

The process of inflammation is unusual in that three forces of the body (skin, blood, cells of the immune system) combine their efforts to overcome it and renew damaged tissues. The process proceeds in three stages.

At the first stage, in response to damage, the reaction develops almost instantly. Adjacent blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow to the affected area, and essential nutrients and immune system cells are supplied with the blood.

Inflammation

In the process of phagocytosis, not only bacteria are destroyed. Damaged and dead cells are removed in exactly the same way. And this leads to the third stage, in which the focus of inflammation is isolated from the surrounding tissues. It, as a rule, becomes painful, and may even pulsate, which is why there is a desire to protect this place from any contact. In this case, the so-called mast cells release histamine, which increases the permeability of blood vessels. This allows you to more effectively clean the damaged area from toxins and toxins.

Give me a fever!

The most noticeable manifestation of the inflammatory process is, of course, fever or fever. This occurs when the immune system is pushed to its limits in response to an infection. Many are frightened when a patient develops a high temperature, however, having figured out what is its cause, you can easily overcome your fears. At a high temperature in the body, a whole cascade of reactions begins, aimed at eliminating the causes of fever. These reactions and the causes that cause them are listed on.

As the fever progresses, body temperature rises sharply, peaking at the peak of the fight against infection. At the same time, we may feel trembling and chills, a desire to lie down in bed and wrap ourselves in something warm. The body aches, one does not want to move from weakness, the appetite disappears, all feelings can be dulled, and in general life does not seem to be a joy. The body itself seems to tell us that it needs rest and time to restore strength. These symptoms can last up to 3 days - about the time it takes for the immune system to magically renew the body.

Throughout this period, the body is engaged in a continuous battle with infectious pathogens. At 37 C (normal human body temperature), bacteria live in clover and reproduce perfectly. But at elevated temperatures, bacteria feel uncomfortable, and their ability to reproduce decreases. On the contrary, the number of phagocytic cells increases, they flock to the inflammatory focus from all sides. As temperatures continue to rise, the balance of power is rapidly shifting in favor of the defenders, with fewer bacteria and more and more white blood cells. It becomes clear that a turning point has occurred, and the battle is finally won. The temperature is dropping.

Why heat is good

A feverish state, according to external manifestations, looks rather alarming, and the patient himself experiences far from the most pleasant sensations. In the arsenal of modern doctors there are many antipyretic drugs, however, by abruptly interrupting the fever, we thereby interrupt the natural process of fighting the infection, which leads to the fact that the disease becomes more protracted and often recurs. This is typical, for example, for children's infections of the ear, throat and nose.

Of course, we do not urge you to ignore the high temperature. In adult patients, for example, the temperature often rises to 40 C. If such an increase is short-term, then there is nothing wrong with it, but it is advisable that your doctor be aware of what is happening.

Useful advice. Vitamin C helps to eliminate toxins and reduce fever. Make sure your sick child drinks more diluted orange juice.

Diseases and means of their treatment

Warning

In children, a sharp rise in temperature is observed more often than in adults, and such cases cannot be ignored. If the fever persists, if the child is drowsy, delusional, nauseous, or in pain, you should call a doctor. Especially beware if the child develops skin rashes that do not disappear when pressed against the background of a high temperature - such symptoms are characteristic of meningitis, and the child will need immediate medical attention. With fever, epileptic seizures are possible - then the temperature should be brought down with the help of rubdowns.

Causes of inflammation

An inflammatory reaction can develop under the influence of a variety of stimuli: external, metabolic, nutritional, digestive, infectious, or, for example, in response to a drug. Five leading factors take part in the inflammatory process: histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and complement. Some of them help the body, while others do not bring benefits. Foods that help or counteract these factors are listed.

The body's response to high body temperature

• Reaction
• temperature rise
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid pulse
• sweating
• Meaning
• Reduced activity of bacteria that multiply at normal temperatures.
• Increasing the supply of oxygen to the body.
• Pumping blood to the site of inflammation, delivering more nutrients needed to heal.
• Accelerated removal of toxins and slags through the skin, thermoregulation.

Redness and itching are all inflammation. Don't worry too much - most likely it will pass in a few hours or days. It is our body's natural response to injury and infection. On the other hand, inflammatory process can last for a very long time, for several weeks or months.

The so-called chronic inflammation may also be accompanied by symptoms of an active inflammatory process, but attempts to cure it remain unsuccessful.

If the inflammation persists, the danger increases. It can cause various diseases, from diabetes to heart problems and Alzheimer's disease.

Here are some of the most common causes of inflammation.

you are overweight

If you have a few extra pounds, an inflammatory process can begin in the fat cells.

As we age, adipose tissue attacks certain cells in our body, resulting in inflammation.

Obesity in young people can signal an alarm to fat cells. The immune system starts trying to protect your body when it's not really in danger.

Your life is in chaos and stress is driving you crazy.

One of the most common causes of inflammation is stress. which may be acute or chronic.

• Acute stress can be triggered by strong feelings or fears when you are in a life-threatening situation.
• Chronic stress can be caused by troubles at work or marriage that cause constant anxiety.

The stress hormone cortisol plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation. The problem is that chronic stress can block the work of this hormone.

According to a study by Rockefeller University, this can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.

May increase the number of white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to inflammation.

Inflammatory process can cause intestinal bacteria

Not all bacteria are dangerous. Some of them can suppress inflammatory processes, while others can activate, depending on their nature. Howbeit, about 70% of immune cells live in our intestines.

This means that gut bacteria can affect the immune system in a variety of ways, including becoming one of the causes of inflammation.

Some research shows that microbes that live in the gut may be linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

The inflammation caused by gut microbes can also increase your risk of developing other diseases, such as HIV.

You abuse alcohol

Physiologically, alcohol can be broken down in our body. This reaction produces toxic by-products that can cause inflammation. The liver is the main organ involved in the process of breaking down and processing alcohol.

In this way, if you drink too much alcohol, inflammation develops in the liver first. Too much alcohol prevents the liver from resting and clearing out toxins.

It can also cause serious problems such as steatosis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, or hepatitis.

you are taking contraceptives

Before menopause, many women control their births with various types of contraception, including oral contraceptives.

This avoids pregnancy in adulthood, but can also be one of the causes of inflammation.

Women who take oral contraceptives in the period before the onset of menopause are at greater risk of suffering from inflammatory processes in the body than women who do not use them.

In 2014 an American magazine PLOS One published a study that the risk of developing inflammatory processes in women who do not take pills is significantly reduced.

This does not mean that you need to completely abandon contraception. If you are not yet planning a pregnancy, ask your gynecologist for advice.

Don't underestimate the severity of inflammation and its consequences

A chronic inflammatory process can last several weeks or months and develop in any part of the body.

If you suffer from, smoke, use alcoholic beverages or oral contraceptives, carefully monitor what is happening in your body.

Remember that in order to prevent such problems, you You need to exercise, watch your weight and eat healthy food.