What are the most common inflammatory diseases?

Inflammation is part of your body’s natural defence system. It helps fight off infection, heal wounds and protect against harm. But when inflammation lingers for too long, it can start to do more harm than good.

Chronic inflammation is now linked to a wide range of diseases, from joint pain to heart problems. Many people don’t realise it’s happening because the signs can be subtle - tiredness, aches or digestive discomfort can all be clues.

Here’s a look at the most common inflammatory diseases, why they happen and how simple blood testing can help you stay informed about your health.

What is an inflammatory disease?

Inflammatory diseases develop when your immune system stays active even when there’s no immediate threat. Instead of switching off, your body continues to release chemicals that can irritate and damage healthy tissues.

Short-term inflammation (like when you sprain an ankle or catch a virus) is normal and helps you heal. But long-term inflammation can quietly affect your organs, joints and even your heart.

Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress or smoking can make inflammation worse, while genetics can also play a role.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune inflammatory diseases. It causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of your joints, leading to swelling, stiffness and pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Aching or swollen joints (often both sides of the body)

• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

• Fatigue or low energy

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow joint damage and help manage discomfort.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both involve ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract, which can cause pain, cramping and changes in bowel habits.

Typical signs include:

• Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Fatigue and weight loss

The cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve an immune response to bacteria in the gut. Lifestyle changes, diet management and medication can help control inflammation and ease symptoms.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-related condition that causes skin cells to renew too quickly, leading to dry, scaly patches on the skin. While often seen as a skin issue, psoriasis is actually an inflammatory condition that starts below the surface.

Triggers can include:

• Stress or illness

• Cold weather

• Skin injury or infection

• Certain medications

Psoriasis can also be linked to other inflammatory issues, such as psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular disease, so it’s important to monitor overall inflammation levels as part of your wider health picture.

Asthma

Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make breathing difficult. The inflammation makes the airways more sensitive to triggers such as pollen, dust or cold air.

Common symptoms:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

• Coughing, especially at night

Most asthma treatments focus on reducing airway inflammation to keep symptoms under control and prevent flare-ups.

Cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is closely linked to inflammation. Chronic inflammation contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits in arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this can lead to narrowed arteries, restricted blood flow, and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

Inflammation may not cause noticeable symptoms on its own, which is why regular checks can be so valuable. Blood tests that measure inflammatory markers can help assess your risk early.

Type 2 diabetes

Inflammation plays a role in how your body processes sugar. Chronic inflammation can make your cells less sensitive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels - one of the key features of type 2 diabetes.

By supporting a balanced diet, staying active and managing stress, you can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.

Other conditions linked to chronic inflammation

Low-grade inflammation has also been connected to a variety of other conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease – ongoing brain inflammation may contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline

• Lupus – an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, kidneys, heart and joints

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – inflammation damages the airways and lungs over time

• Obesity-related inflammation – excess fat tissue releases inflammatory chemicals that can affect metabolism and organ function

What causes chronic inflammation?

There’s no single cause of chronic inflammation, but several factors are known to increase your risk:

• Diet: Processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can all trigger inflammation.

• Lack of sleep: Poor sleep can interfere with immune regulation.

• Stress: Constant stress raises cortisol, which can promote inflammation.

• Smoking and alcohol: Both can irritate tissues and increase oxidative stress.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Regular movement helps regulate immune response.

The good news is that small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on inflammation levels over time.

How is inflammation measured?

Because inflammation isn’t always visible, blood testing is one of the best ways to check what’s happening in your body.

The Inflammatory Profile from Bluecrest Wellness measures key inflammation markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fibrinogen.

These results can:

• Detect low-grade inflammation before symptoms appear

• Help track changes over time

• Provide useful context for lifestyle and health discussions with your GP

Simple ways to help reduce inflammation

Supporting your body’s balance doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent habits can make a difference:

• Eat more whole foods: Choose fruit, vegetables, oily fish and whole grains.

• Get moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

• Prioritise sleep: Rest allows your body to repair and regulate immune function.

• Stay hydrated: Water helps flush out toxins and supports circulation.

• Relax regularly: Breathing exercises, stretching or mindfulness can all help lower stress levels.

By looking after your overall wellbeing, you’re also supporting your body’s natural ability to manage inflammation.

When to speak to your doctor

Contact your GP if you experience:

• Ongoing fatigue, temperature, or pain

• Swelling or redness that doesn’t go away

• Persistent digestive discomfort

• Unexplained weight changes

Your doctor may recommend further tests or discuss ways to manage underlying causes.

Frequently asked questions

What are the early signs of inflammation?

Early signs include tiredness, mild joint stiffness or unexplained aches. Sometimes inflammation has no clear symptoms, which is why blood testing is useful.

Can stress cause inflammation?

Yes. Chronic stress increases the release of hormones and immune chemicals that can promote inflammation. Managing stress is one of the best ways to support overall health.

How can I naturally reduce inflammation?

Focus on whole foods, regular exercise and good sleep. Reducing alcohol, sugar and processed foods also helps calm the body’s inflammatory response.

Is inflammation always harmful?

No - short-term inflammation helps your body heal. It only becomes harmful when it lasts too long or occurs without an underlying cause.

Check your inflammation levels

Understanding your inflammation levels gives you valuable insight into your long-term health. The Inflammatory Profile from Bluecrest Wellness can help you identify and monitor changes early, supporting proactive decisions about your wellbeing.

All tests are available across the UK, with fast, reliable results from accredited laboratories. Each includes a detailed results report and one year of free access to a 24/7 GP helpline.

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