What is inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to a problem, which can be seen as a defense mechanism against external threats. When something hurts or hits our body (like a knife, a punch, a fall, etc.) or when we have an infection (when a microbe enters the body), the soldiers in our body mobilize to fight against the enemy or identified problem. They release substances to call for back-up and speed up healing. This can cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the affected area, or other general signs like fever if the problem has affected the entire body. This is called inflammation.
How to manage inflammation ?
Inflammation is a good thing because it means our body is fighting to solve a problem (e.g., a microbe, an injury, a foreign object), but it can also be uncomfortable or painful, and cause serious complications if it lasts too long. Fortunately, there are things we can do to help relieve inflammation, such as cooling the inflamed area or seeking advice from a medical Doctor to know which medications can better help the body to solve the problem more quickly while providing necessary relief.
Anti-inflammatory medications: friends or foes?
It is very dangerous to take “anti-inflammatory” medications without medical advice. Anti-inflammatory medications are drugs that help reduce inflammation in our bodies, which can help relieve pain and swelling. However, they do not address the underlying problem that caused the inflammation, so after taking these medications, the problem may reappear (pain, etc.). This is where the trap lies because you may be tempted to always take these medications for relief, like your little “miracle candies.”
However, anti-inflammatory medications can cause side effects such as stomachaches, stomach bleeding, or kidney problems (they can harm your stomach and kidneys). If you take these medications when they are not suitable for your body, it can cause more serious health problems. Additionally, these medications can be dangerous if not used correctly. That’s why it’s very important to seek the advice of a medical Doctor before taking these medications. The Doctor will tell you if you need these medications and how to take them safely to help you feel better. If necessary, he can give you tips to follow so that your body tolerates them better or prescribe other medications that are more suitable for your body.
What should you remember?
Inflammation is a sign that a fight is taking place in your body in order to solve a problem, and this fight can be generalized throughout the body or be localized to a specific area. Very often, when localized to an area, the inflammation takes the root of the name of that area with the suffix « itis » (for example: conjunctiv-itis; gastr-itis; pancreat-itis). So, the next time you experience inflammation, remember that it’s your body’s natural way of defending itself and keep you healthy, and then instead of taking anti-inflammatory drugs, seek advice from a medical Doctor to know what you should do to feel better.
Don’t forget to leave a comment if you found this article helpful, and share to help someone else. See you soon !
Dr Christelle Mpoulet, Freelance Writer (production of medical content combining scientific rigour and editorial clarity for an effective and impactful health communication)
Photo : u_if8o5n0ioo from Pixabay
