Inflammation

Inflammation is a process by which your body's white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

If the immune system malfunctions, it considers its own body cells as foreign substances and attacks its own cells. This is called an autoimmune disease.

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There are two types of inflammation:

1. Acute- When the body is injured it sends white blood cells(WBCs) to the site leading to redness, itching, and swelling. It is the natural response of the body which is similar to infection. It may last for 2-6 weeks.

2. Chronic- If the inflammation stays for a long time, it is called chronic inflammation. It can be due to heart disease, arthritis, allergies, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis- Test for levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)

Medication

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)- These drugs block prostaglandins that are present at nerve endings and play a role in enhancing pain during inflammation. Cox enzymes are crucial for the production of prostaglandins, so NSAIDs function by blocking the cox enzyme and thus reducing the production of pain and prostaglandin. Examples are Ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid, etodolac, meloxicam, oxaprozin, piroxicam, diclofenac, celecoxib, etc.