Inflammatory diseases encompass a diverse group of conditions marked by chronic inflammation, affecting various body systems. These persistent immune responses...
An inflammatory disease is a condition where the body's immune system overreacts or misfires, leading to prolonged inflammation that can damage tissues and organs. It often involves chronic, rather than acute, immune responses.
Symptoms vary widely but frequently include persistent pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of function in affected areas. Specific symptoms depend on the particular disease and body systems involved.
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive approach, including a review of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (e.g., CRP, ESR, autoantibody panels), imaging studies (X-rays, MRI), and sometimes biopsies.
Many inflammatory diseases are chronic and currently have no definitive cure. However, they can be effectively managed with various treatments, including medications (anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants), lifestyle adjustments, and physical therapy to control symptoms and prevent disease progression.
Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), multiple sclerosis, asthma, and various forms of vasculitis.