Road2HardCoreIron
Health Care & Concerns => Health Awareness While Cycling => Topic started by: Big Chicken on September 03, 2025, 08:49:19 pm
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Inflammation in the blood, known as sepsis, is a dangerous and potentially fatal complication of an infection where the body's immune response damages its own tissues and organs, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and mood issues, and in severe cases, leading to blood clots, reduced blood flow to organs, organ damage, and even failure. Other forms of blood-related inflammation include chronic conditions that can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as conditions like vasculitis, where inflammation of blood vessels restricts blood flow and can cause organ damage.
Causes
Sepsis:
A widespread and dangerous inflammation caused by the body's extreme response to an infection, where germs enter the bloodstream and the immune system damages healthy tissues.
Chronic Inflammation:
Long-term, low-grade inflammation that can develop from chronic diseases or other health problems, leading to conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Vasculitis:
Swelling and thickening of blood vessels, which disrupts blood flow to organs and tissues.
Symptoms
Sepsis:
Fever, fatigue, body pain, mood problems (anxiety, depression), and symptoms of organ dysfunction.
Chronic Inflammation:
Insomnia, weight gain, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, body pain (muscles, joints), and gastrointestinal problems.
Vasculitis:
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, fever, difficulty breathing, and heart attack symptoms.
Risks and Complications
Organ Damage:
Inflammation can damage healthy tissues and organs, leading to impaired function.
Blood Clots:
Sepsis can cause blood clots to form in blood vessels, reducing blood flow to organs.
Aneurysms:
Blood vessels can become damaged and bulge, increasing the risk of life-threatening ruptures.
Heart Disease & Stroke:
Chronic inflammation contributes to conditions like atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes:
Chronic inflammation is linked to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.