Chronic inflammation is a silent killer. It can go undetected for years, wreaking havoc on the body without you even knowing it. The good news is that there are warning signs you can look out for. If you know what to watch out for, you can get treatment and start feeling better in no time. This article will discuss the common symptoms of chronic inflammation and how to tell if you have it.
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Joint Pain
One of the earliest and most characteristic signs of chronic inflammation is joint pain. The joints in your body, such as the knee joints or neck joints, are common areas for inflammation to develop. In fact, many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis experience pain early on. If you have any form of arthritis, look out for frequent aches and pains in your body, especially in the joints.
Neck Pain
People with chronic inflammation often experience neck pain, especially in the back of the neck. It might come on slowly or suddenly, but it’s always something you want to be aware of. If you’ve been experiencing strain in your neck, even when you’re not engaged in strenuous activity, consider visiting a doctor and getting tested for chronic inflammation. That way, you can get an idea of what is causing your pain.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common signs of chronic inflammation. This symptom can be a problem for some people because they might mistake fatigue for something else. After all, we all get tired sometimes. However, if you feel exhausted even when you don’t have much to do or after getting a good night’s sleep, it could indicate an issue with your body.
Sinus Congestion
If you suffer from chronic inflammation, the chances are that you have experienced sinus congestion at some point. This congestion occurs when the membranes in the sinuses swell up, causing pain and pressure that can often be confused with a common cold or flu. However, this can be a sign of an inflammation issue, and you can remedy it by taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Coughing
If you’re someone who’s experienced a chronic cough, especially if the cough includes yellow or green mucus, you might have an underlying inflammation problem. Many people with chronic inflammation get persistent dry coughs that don’t go away. So the best thing to do would be to talk to your doctor or allergist about potential issues with your sinuses and see what you can do from there.
Chest Pain
Another common symptom of chronic inflammation is chest pain or pressure. Sometimes, people with an inflamed aorta experience chest pains that feel like a heart attack. However, these are typically short-lived, and you can reduce them by taking anti-inflammatory drugs. If you know the signs to look out for, you can get treatment before the chest pain becomes life-threatening.
Eye Strain
If you have chronic inflammation, you might have noticed that your eyes feel like they are frequently straining. This strain is typically a sign that comes with sinus congestion because the sinuses can cause eye strain when there’s pressure around your eyes and nose area. If you feel like your eyes are strained often, you might want to schedule an appointment with your doctor or an optometrist to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on.
Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are a common but not very well-known symptom of chronic inflammation. These rashes typically appear as small, flat areas on the skin that can be itchy or painful. Typically, these rashes go away on their own after a few days once you start taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Still, some cases might need oral or topical medications to get better. If you notice any rash on your body, it’s usually best to get them looked at so they do not spread.
Headaches
When it comes to chronic inflammation, headaches are another common symptom. These headaches can be at the front of the head or in the back of the head, and they make a person feel very tired and uncomfortable. In addition, some people experience sharp pains that can sometimes be confused for migraines. If you have been experiencing constant headaches for over a month, it’s important to see your doctor and see if you can get tested for chronic inflammation.
Nausea
If you’re experiencing nausea regularly, it could be an indicator of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is typically due to chronic inflammation in the gut. If you think this might be the case for you, mention it to your doctor. GERD can also be due to an ulcer in the stomach or esophagus lining that can cause people to have heartburn or experience nausea. So to understand where your nausea is coming from, it’s best to speak with a specialist.
Fever
Fever is another common symptom of chronic inflammation and can sometimes be a life-threatening condition. If you feel like you have a fever that won’t go away, it might be due to inflamed blood vessels, which cause the body to raise its temperature to defend itself against the inflammation. It’s important to see your doctor right away if you feel like this might be the case for you.
Conclusion
If you have been experiencing one or many of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to see your doctor immediately. While some cases might be able to clear themselves up with over-the-counter medication. Others might be a sign of chronic inflammation, and you should get seen right away. Talk to your doctor or allergist today for more information about how you can find out if you’re suffering from this condition.
