Chronic Inflammatory Disorder

Chronic inflammatory disorder is a general term for conditions that involve chronic inflammation. These conditions range from allergies to kidney failure and stroke, and many are age related. They can affect many areas of the body. Due to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, a result of of aging, various degenerative conditions can develop. Cytokines are chemicals that send destructive signals to your cells.

Heart and Circulatory System

Heart-related inflammatory disorders include aortic valve stenosis, where chronic inflammation causes damage to the valves. Inflammation can cause the wasting of the heart muscle, resulting in congestive heart failure. Heart attack and stroke can occur from coronary atherosclerosis, which is caused by chronic inflammation. C-reactive protein is a particular inflammatory marker that shows a higher risk of atheroscolerotic plaque as well as other age-related conditions.

Joints and Muscles

Arthritis is a result of the destruction of synovial fluid and joint cartilage from inflammatory cytokines. In the instance of fibromyalgia, a condition that affects both your joints and muscles, the level of inflammatory cytokines is higher. Fibrosis is caused by the attack of inflammatory cytokines on traumatized tissue. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy causes nerve damage that results in decreased sensory activity and weakness in your arms and legs.

Organ Damage

Kidney failure can result due to restriction of circulation and damaged nephrons from chronic inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines can cause injury to your pancreatic cells. This damage can subsequently result in diabetes. In psoriasis, dermatitis is caused by inflammatory cytokines.

Other Inflammatory Disorders

Allergies are the result of an autoimmune reaction to specific substances. This is caused by inflammatory cytokines. Lupus is an autoimmune disease resulting from inflammatory cytokines. The destruction of brain cells is the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation can be the cause of numerous cancers. Inflammatory cytokines can inhibit healing, which can result in surgical complications.

Cytokine Testing

If you suffer from a chronic illness, your doctor can order an inflammatory cytokine blood panel, which may help diagnose the problem. This helps your physician determine the best treatment for your particular condition. For example, one type of cytokine can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. According to the Life Extension Foundation, a drug that suppresses this particular cytokine, currently being used in Japan, will soon be available in America. Therapies are available to treat other types of cytokines.

Treatment

Treatment varies according to the particular disorder and the type of cytokine responsible for the condition. An example is the prescription medication Enbrel, which helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis. For patients who are not suffering from a chronic illness but have high levels of C-reactive protein, there are way to reduce it by diet and supplements. By avoiding high-glycemic foods, overcooked foods, omega-6 fatty acid and saturated fats, you may be able to suppress inflammation. Helpful supplements include vitamin E, fish oil, vitamin K and nettle leaf extract.

References

• Aging and Inflammation
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke