Inflammation is a natural process that the body undergoes to protect against injury, infection, and other threats. However, chronic inflammation can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, arthritis, and more. Various are common causes of inflammation:
Weather Extremes
High temperatures and humidity can cause inflammation in the body. The hypothalamus regulates the body’s temperature and humidity levels, controlling internal temperature through sweating or shivering to maintain a healthy body temperature. However, when there is an increase in weather extremes such as heat or cold, the hypothalamus has trouble regulating temperature. As a result, more stress is placed on the body resulting in inflammation.
Infection
Infection is a common cause of inflammation. These infections can occur in other areas of the body besides the skin. The most well-known of which is the common cold. Parasitic infections such as ringworm are another type of infection that commonly causes inflammation. Viruses and bacteria that invade the body through infection cause inflammation through various mechanisms, damaging cells, organs, and tissues.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma is one of the common causes of inflammation as the body tries to repair itself. Acute injuries and physical trauma to the body, such as falls, result in inflammation due to physical damage that leads to bacteria or other foreign bodies invading the area. This invasion can be caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream by breaking the skin or mucosal membranes. Subsequently, the body releases chemicals into the bloodstream and tissues that fight against this invasion, producing inflammation.
Allergies
Many people suffer from allergies such as asthma. It is due to the body’s immune system being unable to distinguish between particles and non-particles in the air, resulting in inflammation that may be painful and uncomfortable.
Stress
Long-term stress can cause constant and prolonged oxidative damage, damaging tissues and cells through inflammation. It is due to the release of stress hormones into the body and pathologically elevated cortisol levels.
Inflammation is a normal process for the body to protect itself from injury or fight off microorganisms. However, when there is increased stress on the body that causes ongoing inflammation, this condition can lead to health problems such as diseases and autoimmune conditions.