- Flushed skin at the site of the injury.
- Pain or tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Heat.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic inflammation symptoms may be harder to spot than acute inflammation symptoms. Signs of chronic inflammation can include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Chest pain.
- Fatigue. (example: systemic lupus)
- Fever. (example: tuberculosis)
- Joint pain or stiffness. (example: rheumatoid arthritis)
- Mouth sores. (example: HIV infection)
- Skin rash. (example: psoriasis)
How to Avoid Inflamm-aging
- Eat a heart-healthy diet focusing on foods like fatty fish, fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that sugar is highly inflammatory.
- Get active with moderate cardio exercise. Remember: Good health guidelines call for 30 minutes a day on at least five days per week.
- Lose excess weight, especially if you’re carrying those pounds around your middle.
- Avoid exposure to all forms of secondhand smoke, and of course, if you smoke, quit.
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day if you’re a woman, two if you’re a man.
- Clock seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Some people need more, others need less, but this is the sweet spot between not enough and too much.
- Manage stress. Stress is often unavoidable, but you can minimize its effects with techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
- Stay social with strong connections to friends and family.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor about ways to boost your heart health and any other steps appropriate to your needs to counter inflammation.
If you experience a worrisome injury or are experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, stiffness, or other symptoms, consult with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you narrow down the cause and find ways to help you feel better.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can greatly reduce the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, these drugs are not without risk.
The US Food and Drug Administration has requested that warning labels be added to all NSAIDs — both prescription and over-the-counter versions — advising users of the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and heart problems.
The FDA also requires manufacturers of over-the-counter NSAIDs to prominently display NSAID on the label and to include a warning about the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Your doctor can help you decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your case, or whether another pain relief option would be better.