Inflammation
Description
Inflammation is not itself a disease; it is a symptom of one. It is a protective response to the injury of blood vessels and adjacent tissues.
An inflammatory response involves an area which is undergoing continuous change while the body repairs itself and replaces injured tissues. Often there is vascular dilation and increased blood flow. This lasts for variable amounts of time. White blood cells and the lymphatic system are also involved in the process.
It is a common misconception that inflammation and infection always occur concurrently. Inflammation is a tissue-conserving process modified by whatever produces the reaction, including infections. Furthermore, inflammation may predispose an individual to infection but infection does not necessarily occur. Treatments for inflammation vary, depending on the underlying cause. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some steroidal drugs are often prescribed.
Causes
There are many causes of the inflammatory response, some of which are:
Physical blows
Tissue invasion by foreign bodies
Microorganisms
Chemicals
Electricity
Heat and cold (thermal inflammation)
Surgery (traumatic inflammation)
Ionizing radiation
Signs & Symptoms
The cardinal signs of swelling are:
| Pain | Heat |
| Redness | Swelling |
| Impaired or disordered function of the affected part |
All of the above symptoms may be observed but no one is necessarily always present.
Other symptoms include:
| Headache | Anorexia |
| Malaise | Fever |
| Itching |
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Joint Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Bee propolis* | ||
| Bioflavonoids | 500 - 1,000 mg | 200 - 500 mg |
| EPO* | ||
| Fish oils | 6 - 10 g | 3 - 4 g |
| Garlic* | ||
| Selenium | 100 - 300 mcg | 50 - 100 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 1,000 - 2,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 1,000 IU | 200 - 500 IU |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg | 10 - 30 mg |
| Luteolin* |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Discussion:-
GLA is usually obtained from Evening Primrose Oil. EPA is mostly derived from fish oils.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Those suffering from inflammation should follow a Dietary Goals Diet, and be monitored for symptoms of nutritional deficiency.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as colchicine or salicylazosulfapyridine, decreased absorption of fat, carotene, sodium, potassium, vitamin B-12, lactose and folate.
Aspirin interferes with intestinal iron absorption, and can create a folacin deficiency. High doses of aspirin, as are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Corticosteroids, another class of anti-inflammatory agents, can cause any or all of the following:
Increased vitamin D metabolism leading to accelerated bone loss
Decreased glucose tolerance
Gastric ulceration
Increased excretion of vitamin C, potassium, and zinc
Increased vitamin B-6 requirement
Corticosteroids such as Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, muscle wastage, and/or hypertension. Corticosteroids have many potential side effects. The individual should be carefully monitored for the onset of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bleeding or edema.
Homeopathic Remedy
Inflammation
In Homotoxicology, the following ingredients have been assembled to counter inflammation, of several kinds, including:
localized inflammations with swelling and redness;
inflammations due to cold and wet weather (as in arthritic conditions);
inflammation following trauma.
See also: Dermatitis
Edema
Infection
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Calc. Phos. | follow-up tonic especially for anemic patients; |
| Calc. Sulf. | thick, yellow discharges, sometimes streaked with blood; |
| Ferr. Phos. | primary remedy, fever, rapid pulse, headache; |
| Kali Mur. | whitish exudate, white-coated tongue; |
| Kali Sulf. | yellow discharge; |
4 tablets every ½ hour in acute conditions.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Aloe vera plant
Comfrey
Mullein
Slippery elm bark
Yarrow
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Bromelain is considered an herb in Germany, being an approved phytopharmaceutical with a major share of the German market: over $13 million p.a.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Peppermint Essence is recommended for inflammatory conditions, while Patchouli Essence is specifically recommended for inflammatory disorders of the skin.
Related Health Conditions
Anorexia
Dermatitis
Edema
Infection
Fever
Headaches
Itching
Pain
References
Ackerman-MH. et al: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and nutritional supportCrit-Care-Nurs-Clin-North-Am. 1994 Jun; 6(2): 321-40.
Baggott, J. E. et al: Inhibition of Folate-Dependent Enzymes by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Biochemistry Journal. 1992;282:197-202.
Ballegaard M et al., Self-reported food intolerance in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1997 Jun, 32:6, 569-71.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Cerra, F. B. et al: Nutrient Modulation of Inflammatory and Immune Response. The American Journal of Surgery, February 1991;161:230-234.
Chasroff, I.J. & J.W. Ellis. 1983. Family Medical Guide, William Morrow and Company Inc., Pub. 594 pp.
Chicago Dietetic Association and the South Suburban Dietetic Association of Cook and Will Counties. 1981. Manual of Clinical Dietetics. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadephia.
Eschleman, M.M. 1984. Introductory Nutrition and Diet Therapy. J.B. Lipincott Co., Philadelphia. 464 pp.
Ferretti A et al., Increased dietary arachidonic acid enhances the synthesis of vasoactive eicosanoids in humans. Lipids, 1997 Apr, 32:4, 435-9.
Gottlieb MS: Conservative management of spinal osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate and chiropractic treatment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1997 Jul-Aug, 20:6, 400-14.
Hunt, S.M., J.L. Groff & J. M. Holbrook. 1980. Nutrition: Principles and Clinical Practice John Wileyand Sons, N. Y. 506 pp.
Ingelfinger, F.J. 1980. Dorland's Medical Dictionary. Saunders Press Pub., Philadelphia. 740 pp.
McClain, C.J. et al: Minerals and Inflammatory Response. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, October 1992;11(5):598/Abstract 4.
Metzner, J. Influence of Flavonoids on Capillary Per-meability, Carageenin Edema, and Histamine Spasms. Agents Actions, 10. 1982.
Pennington, J. 1978. Nutritional Diet Therapy. Bull Publishing Co., Palo Alto, Ca. 106 pp.
Prendiville, J. S. & Manfredi, L. N.: Skin Signs of Nutritional DisordersSeminars in Dermatology, March 1992; 11 (1):88-97.
Regtop, H. Leukotrienes and Nutrition. Yearbook Of Nutritional Medicine. New Canaan, Conn.: Bland, Jeffrey, ed. Keats Publishing, 1985.
Reif S et all., Pre-illness dietary factors in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut, 1997 Jun, 40:6, 754-60.
Sharma, S.C. & W.M. Wilson. Cellular Interaction of Ascorbic Acid with Histamine and the Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction. International Journal Of Vitamin Nutrition Research, 50. 1980.
Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 24th edition. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1982.
Tarayre, J.P. & H. Lauressergues. The Use of Bioflavonoids, Proteolytic Enzymes and Vitamin C In Inflammatory Disorders. Arzneim-forsch., 27 1977.
Thomas, C.L. 1985. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Co. Pub., Philadelphia. 2170 pp.
Thomson AB & Wild G: Adaptation of intestinal nutrient transport in health and disease. Part II. Dig Dis Sci, 1997 Mar, 42:3, 470-88.
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