Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the body's defense mechanisms. When something harms or irritates the body, the immune system kicks into gear around those parts. This response can cause pain, redness, immobility, swelling, and heat.

In some cases, chronic inflammation develops caused by pathogens that the body cannot break down, including some types of virus, foreign bodies that remain in the system, or overactive immune system responses. Symptoms of chronic inflammation include fatigue, mouth sores, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever, rash, and joint pain.