What is Inflammation Really?

Introduction to Inflammation

Inflammation has kind of become a buzzword these days. So, when I was thinking about what to write for my first official blog post, I didn’t have to contemplate for too long. What I struggled with was though, was deciding how much information to squeeze into one post. This is a complex topic that touches almost every area of health, and it’s nearly impossible to explain it all in one sitting. So, I’ve decided to make it a 3-part series-maybe more.

Survey says...

Since inflammation is everywhere on the internet, I asked my friends on social media what they think it means and the pie chart here shows the result

As you can see, most people associate inflammation with swelling. And they’re not wrong. Swelling is one of the classic signs of inflammation. But it’s not the only sign.

Before diving into inflammation, it helps to understand how our body’s cells work. If you haven’t already, check out my previous blog post, where I explain how cells are like bricks building the house that is your body.

You're body's emergency alarm system

Now, imagine something goes wrong. You’re the owner of the house, and one day you walk in to find that a burglar has broken a window. Naturally, you’d sound the alarm, call emergency services, hire repair workers, and bring in a cleanup crew.

Your body reacts the same way. When it detects a threat, like a virus, injury, or chemical irritant, it doesn’t sit there quietly. It sounds a chemical alarm using molecules like histamines and cytokines. This rapid reaction is called inflammation. It’s your body’s emergency system calling for help to repair damage and kick out invaders.

When the alarm goes off, your blood vessels widen to let more blood rush to the area. This causes redness, swelling, and warmth. You may experience pain or temporary loss of function in that area, which helps your body prevent further damage. It’s your body’s way of saying:

“Under repair. Please go easy on me.”

Types of Inflammation

There are two main types: acute and chronic inflammation.

• Acute inflammation is short-term, targeted, and helpful—like fixing a leaky roof after a storm.
  

• Chronic inflammation is more like an alarm that never shuts off. Imagine emergency crews camping out in your living room for months, doing more damage than the original burglar ever did.
  

Chronic inflammation is sneaky. It’s been linked to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. I’ll go deeper into that in my next post.

EVERYDAY SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION YOU MIGHT MISS

Mouth & Throat:

• Gum bleeding

• Chronic bad breath (often from inflamed gums)

• Swollen tonsils

Skin Issues:

• Eczema

• Rosacea (facial redness or darker than surrounding skin in dark skinned people)

• Dandruff and scalp irritation

• Chronic acne

Digestive Problems:

• Heartburn/acid reflux

• Food sensitivities causing bloating

• Chronic constipation

Joint & Muscle:

• Morning stiffness

• Chronic back pain

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

Other Sneaky Ones:

• Chronic fatigue (often has inflammatory components)

• Brain fog and poor concentration

• Frequent headaches

• Seasonal allergies (inflamed nasal passages)

• Chronic sinus congestion

• High blood pressure (vascular inflammation)

So next time you hear “inflammation,” think beyond just swelling. Think of it as your body’s 911 call. And if some of the signs I mentioned sound familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Have questions or comments? Drop them in the comments or DM me, I’d love to hear what inflammation means to you.

In Part 2, I’ll dive into chronic inflammation- what fuels it, how it hides in plain sight, and why it’s linked to so many modern illnesses.

Until then, stay curious and take a moment to tune into what your body might be trying to tell you.