What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's immune system response to an irritant, such as a bacteria, virus, or due to injury. The body combats these irritants by releasing inflammatory mediators (bradykinin and histamine hormones). As a result, mucus membranes release more fluid to flush out irritants. This response can result in a runny nose or fluid entering tissue and causing swelling.
There are two types of inflammation:
- Acute inflammation – the body's immune system responds to sudden injury or illness, such as a cut, by sending inflammatory cells to initiate the healing process.
- Chronic inflammation – the body sends inflammatory cells to attack without a trigger, like an illness or injury. For example, inflammatory cells can attack joint tissue and cause damage and pain, called rheumatoid arthritis.
What causes inflammation?
Several conditions may be associated with inflammation. However, chronic inflammation is primarily related to autoimmune diseases, including:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Lupus
- Crohn's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Type 2 diabetes
The Inflammatory #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel includes:
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (CRP, hs) - measures the hs-CRP levels in the blood to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increases in CRP values are nonspecific, making CRP an indicator for a wide range of disease processes, and should not be interpreted without a complete clinical history. Recent medical events resulting in tissue injury, infections, or inflammation, which may cause elevated CRP levels, should also be considered when interpreting results. Serial analysis of CRP should not be used to monitor treatment effects.
Homocysteine - helps diagnose vitamin B12/folate deficiencies and identify patients at risk for heart disease or strokes.
A1c (Glycohemoglobin) - test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last two to three months. This is done by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). The predominant form is hemoglobin A.
When should I order an Inflammatory #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel?
Individuals may order this panel if they have experienced symptoms related to inflammation. Common signs or symptoms of inflammation include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
- Digestive issues
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
