Inflammation is a sign that the body's immune system is active in a certain area. When white blood cells go to an area to fight an infection, they release a series of chemicals that cause the area to swell and often become tender. Outward signs of swelling depend on where you are, but can include the area being hot to the touch, stiff, and swollen.
When joints become inflamed, they can be difficult to move, stiff, and sore. Pain may accompany movement and, in extreme cases, it may be impossible to move the joint due to swelling. When other areas become inflamed, there may be redness in the skin tone as well as noticeable warmth in that area.
With a severe infection and immune system reaction, there may also be other symptoms that accompany localized. The individual may feel sore and the muscles of the body may become tired and sore. With a significant immune system response, there may be fatigue and fever that spreads beyond the immediate area of infection.
When inflammation develops in the joints, it can cause the painful condition known as arthritis. This usually occurs when the immune system overreacts and attacks healthy tissue, a condition known as an autoimmune disorder. These disorders can take different forms and create problems throughout the body, depending on what the immune system is attacking. For example, colitis occurs when an autoimmune response causes inflammation and swelling in the large intestine, disrupting the function of the gastrointestinal system.
There is also a type of mild inflammation that is not as noticeable and yet potentially dangerous. Atherogenesis is a form of inflammation that develops in an individual's arteries. Behaviors such as smoking and conditions such as high blood pressure increase the chances of this inflammation of the arteries occurring. When it happens, it constricts the vessels and hinders blood flow. As a result, the deposits can build up and put the individual at risk of developing heart disease.
Depending on the location and type of inflammation, people can be treated in various ways. Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce areas of swelling. Some types of mild steroids may also be prescribed to help speed up the body's response to treatment. In some cases, the pain can be controlled with other medications, or there may be specific treatment to eliminate the disease causing the inflammation.