Inflammation Causes and Cures

Sometimes, it's easy to tell what's causing inflammation. Insect bites, sprains and other injuries are usually noticeable when they occur, and treatment is usually pretty obvious. Other causes can be more troubling. Heart disease may cause swelling in the ankles and lower legs. Kidney disease can cause it everywhere. Knowing what to do may help you with more important things than comfort...it could save your life.

Minor Causes

For most of us, these events are inconvenient and somewhat painful. Under the right circumstances, they can be worse, which will be pointed out.

Bites: Insect bites can cause inflammation and severe itching. Several home remedies may be helpful in reducing the itch factor as well as the swelling. Rubbing alcohol, meat tenderizer, distilled witch hazel and lime juice are a few examples. If it is a chigger bite, applying nail polish is also beneficial.

Stings: These can be worse than a bug bite, especially if an allergy is present. Immediately after the sting, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the area. This can help draw out the stinger and some of the venom. After this is done, apply ice for the first twenty-four hours. Hot epsom's salt water may be used after that period of time.

With both of these problems, look for signs of anaphylactic shock, including swelling in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. This requires immediate medical aid. Call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions while you await the paramedics.

Bruises: Both the broken blood vessel and other factors create swelling around a bruise. This also makes it tender to the touch. Ice is helpful in reducing the amount of bruising and keep it down. There are a couple of other home remedies that may be useful. A cool compress of distilled witch hazel can be soothing. If you know how to do it, arnica may also be beneficial, but it does require some care.

Sprains: If you've ever had a severe sprain, you may argue that this isn't a minor cause. They can be very painful and take a long time to heal. However, compared with those that can kill you, a sprain fits the heading.

Sprains should be seen by a doctor to determine the severity and the appropriate treatment needed. It may also be necessary to rule out a fracture, so x-rays may be required. Once this is done, a treatment plan will be devised.

If you wish to use home remedies, here are a few. Some may be recommended by your doctor. If not, be sure to ask whether or not that are appropriate for you.

RICE will be recommended. That stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Don't use the joint, keep it propped up, ice it and wear the compression device your doctor will give you. Using the joint too soon will prevent it from healing and could make the situation worse.

If you are over eighteen and not allergic to aspirin, willow bark and gotu kola may be helpful. You can make it as a tea to soak the area, or make an olive oil or alcohol extraction. The latter two can be applied with a cotton ball a few times a day.

Major Causes

These three causes could change your life...or end it if they are ignored. The symptoms are distinctive if you know what you're looking for, though it is possible to have the symptoms without the diseases attached. None of these diseases should be treated solely by home remedies.

Heart Disease: If you have swelling in both feet and ankles that cannot be explained by other conditions, it could be a symptom of heart problems. Other symptoms may also be present, including chest pain and shortness of breath.

Kidney Disease: This can create inflammation all over your body, particularly in your face and hands. You may not have many other symptoms until the disease has become very serious.

PAD: Peripheral artery disease may cause inflammation in a leg or arm, usually deep inside the limb. It can be difficult to diagnose, but important to catch. Clots could form, which could cost you the limb or your life if it gets loose in the blood stream.

If you have inflammation from an unknown source, it is a good idea to see your doctor...the sooner the better. It may be nothing, but if it is one of these problems, your life is at stake. Make sure you tell your doctor of other symptoms that may have occurred, any medical conditions you already have and anything you are taking, whether it's prescription, herbal or over the counter. This will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and help ensure you quality of life.

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