Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response which occurs following injury or infection. This natural defense mechanism helps eliminate the foreign substances causing damage and initiates the healing process. 

Inflammation is clearly an essential healing mechanism; without it our wounds would remain open and infection would reach dangerous levels. However, sometimes inflammation can be detrimental to health if there is an excessive amount of it. This can happen with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, where the body’s (which usually fights infection) instead attacks some of the body’s own cells by mistake. 

Allergies are a common cause of inflammation and can be triggered by a variety of substances, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system overreacts and produces antibodies that attack the allergen. This reaction can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints.