When you have a cut, bruise, or allergic reaction, your body's natural response is to get red, swell up, and become warm, evidence that your immune system is hard at work to decrease the inflammation. Normally, the immune system finishes the job and then takes a rest.

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In some chronic conditions, the immune system isn't given a rest - such as in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. Now evidence shows that inflammation is a problem in many other diseases as well.

Can you have inflammation going on in the body without knowing it? Yes, and researchers are just beginning to understand how inflammation in the body - sometimes called systemic inflammation or low-grade inflammation - may contribute to developing one of the following diseases.


Heart disease
Studies suggest inflammation in the blood vessels may be linked to atherosclerosis, or fatty build-up in the blood vessels, which can increase your risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Also, inflammation of the heart itself causes fluid retention and shortness of breath.

For more on inflammation and its possible link to heart disease, visit the American Heart Association


Diabetes
Some studies show a link between low-level inflammation and insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. With inflammation comes insulin resistance, and with insulin resistance comes obesity and diabetes.

For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association


Colon cancer
A recent study links high levels of C-reactive protein, a naturally occurring blood chemical that's an inflammation indicator, to a higher risk of colon cancer. And inflammation can affect the bowels in other ways, too. Ever had cramps and diarrhea after eating a fatty meal? Inflammation could be to blame.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society


Asthma
Scientists believe inflammation of the small tubes that carry air to the lungs can trigger an asthma attack.

For more information, visit the American Lung Association


Kidney disease
Kidney inflammation, sometimes called nephritis, is associated with high blood pressure. It can also cause kidney failure.

For more information, visit the National Kidney Foundation


Alzheimer's disease
Some studies show reducing inflammation may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by as much as 33 percent. And after Alzheimer's sets in, causing plaque to form on the brain, inflammation can make the symptoms worse. The possible connection between inflammation and Alzheimer's is getting a lot of attention in research circles, so expect to hear more about it in the coming years.

For more information, visit Alzheimer's groups' sites at ALZ.org and Alzheimers.org


Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is clearly linked to inflammation in the tissue. But you might be surprised to find out the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is not caused by inflammation. It's a degenerative condition - meaning the joints degenerate, or wear down. However, new research suggests the joint damage common with osteoarthritis may make people with the condition more susceptible to inflammation problems.

For more information, visit the Arthritis Foundation


All of these chronic medical conditions are worsened by long-term infections, tooth decay and gum problems, smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. These irritants lead to chronic inflammation, which causes damage to the body.

The solution: eat an anti-inflammation diet, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, avoid passive smoke and air pollution, and monitor your blood pressure.


A simple blood test - called high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) - can determine your body's inflammation level. Doctor's only recommend it, however, when you're at risk of the diseases above.

If you are, talk with your doctor about the test, and check with your insurance company to see if it's covered.