Inflammation is the body's first response to irritation, and is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and organ dysfunction.
Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling in order to increase comfort and stop excess tissue damage, which can lengthen recovery time.
Inflammation is a good thing. The heat produced during an inflammatory response kills off bacteria that may have invaded, and the pain stops a person from using that area (which could cause more damage).
Unfortunately, uncontrolled inflammation can cause more damage, both short- and long-term. Short-term problems caused by inflammation can include excess swelling which causes more tissue damage in the area than is necessary.
Long-term inflammation has been shown to be a factor in diseases, especially cancers.
Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory effects of some foods, nutrients and medications like NSAIDs can decrease the risk of prostate and other cancers.
