Chronic inflammation is an important factor in all chronic and degenerative disease and may contribute to the aging process. A certain amount of inflammation is necessary to ensure healing and good health, but when the immune system remains in a hyper-vigilant mode, the resulting chronic inflammation can cause irreparable damage to the body.
NSAIDs and Aspirin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, block prostaglandins, a chemical produced by the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Among other functions, the COX-1 enzyme keeps the stomach lining healthy and ensures that the blood clots normally. The COX-2 enzyme is also involved in inflammation but does not affect the stomach or intestinal tract. Extended use of NSAIDS or aspirin can cause intestinal bleeding and serious damage to the stomach, liver and kidneys, warns RX List.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteriods -- commonly referred to as steroids -- are a synthetic version of cortisol, the body's fight or flight hormone. Steroids work to calm an overactive immune system and to decrease the level of inflammation in the body. People with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other chronic inflammatory diseases are frequently prescribed a series of steroid treatments to calm the inflammatory response. The side effects of steroid include osteoporosis, glaucoma, weight gain, high blood pressure and a lowered resistance to infections. The Cleveland Clinic advises patients to take steroids only when necessary and limit the dose to the minimum amount recommended to control inflammation.
COX-2 Inhibitors
COX-2 inhibitors are prescribed for treatment of the pain and inflammatory response of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and sport injuries. They are so-named because they lower or inhibit the effects of COX-2, but do not prevent the COX-1 enzyme from protecting the stomach lining. Because of deadly side effects associated with the use of COX-2 inhibitors, several manufacturers removed their products from the market. As of 2010, Celebrex is the only COX-2 inhibitor available in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association warns that people who take any COX-2 medicines may be at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal complications.
Lifestyle Choices
A nutritious diet is the basis for good health, says nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick. Vitamins D, E and C and folic acid have anti-inflammatory effects, and foods high in omega 3s, fruits and vegetables, and unrefined carbohydrates may help to reduce the body's inflammatory response. Meditation, yoga, Tai Chi and other relaxation techniques reduce cortisol production in the body. The action of the anti-inflammatory properties in resveratrol, the substance found in red wine, may offer new insight into an effective treatment for chronic inflammatory disease, according to Science Daily.
