Inflammation occurs in two main forms: chronic and acute. To learn about the differences between acute and chronic inflammation, continue reading.
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs to help the body protect and heal itself from injuries, infections, and other toxins. One can experience two main types of inflammation: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is often beneficial, but chronic inflammation can be a symptom of a more serious issue and ultimately do harm to one’s health. To learn about the differences between acute vs. chronic inflammation, continue reading this simple guide.
Acute Inflammation
Acute inflammation is a type of short-term inflammatory response that typically only lasts for a few days. Common causes of acute inflammation include tissue injury or the presence of harmful pathogens in the body as a result of a virus. Acute inflammation can often be treated with ice, rest, compression, and CBD oil to reduce the swelling.
While acute inflammation is typically a beneficial process, as it immobilizes injured areas while the immune systems works to heal them, it’s important not to let its cause go untreated. If you don’t treat the root cause of your acute inflammation, it can ultimately develop into an infection or injury, which may result in chronic pain. For example, if a broken leg doesn’t receive medical treatment, the acute inflammation could develop into a more chronic issue.
Chronic Inflammation
One difference between acute vs. chronic inflammation is that, unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation persists for several weeks. In some cases, chronic inflammation can last for multiple years and result in indefinite pain, discomfort, and damage. Typically, chronic inflammation occurs as a result of pathogens the body isn’t able to break down; overactive immune responses; or the presence of foreign bodies the body can’t get rid of. When untreated, chronic inflammation can result in several negative health effects, such as tissue death and scarring of connective tissue. As such, it’s important not to let chronic inflammation go untreated. If you think you’re experiencing chronic inflammation, talk to your doctor immediately.
