Question 1

What is Inflammatory Diseases?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory diseases are chronic conditions where the immune system causes persistent inflammation throughout the body, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus. They are caused by autoimmune responses where the body attacks its own tissues, leading to elevated inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and interleukins. The Albumin test is the most important test for monitoring inflammatory diseases because it reveals how chronic inflammation affects protein production and nutritional status.

Question 2

What causes inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory diseases are caused by autoimmune responses where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins, and C-reactive protein (CRP), which cause persistent inflammation throughout the body. Genetic factors, environmental triggers, infections, and lifestyle factors can all activate these immune responses, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

Question 3

What is the best test for inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

The Albumin test is the most important test for monitoring inflammatory diseases because it measures how chronic inflammation affects your liver's ability to produce proteins essential for healing and nutrition. When inflammation persists, albumin levels drop, signaling that your body is under significant stress. The Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids panel is also essential because it measures EPA, DPA, and DHA levels, which are anti-inflammatory nutrients that help regulate immune responses. Low omega-3 levels can increase your risk of developing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, making this test critical for prevention and management strategies.

Question 4

When should I get tested for inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that lasts more than six weeks, especially if it affects multiple joints symmetrically. Other warning signs include chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest, unexplained weight loss, recurring fever, digestive problems like persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain, or skin rashes that appear without explanation. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions or notice that your symptoms worsen in the morning and improve throughout the day, testing can help identify underlying inflammatory processes early.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of inflammatory diseases include persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest. You might experience chronic fatigue, low-grade fever, and unexplained weight loss. Many people notice skin rashes, mouth sores, or eye inflammation. Digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool occur with inflammatory bowel disease. Muscle weakness, chest pain when breathing deeply, and sensitivity to cold in fingers and toes are also common signs that inflammation is affecting multiple body systems.

Question 6

Who is at risk for inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of autoimmune conditions have a significantly higher risk of developing inflammatory diseases. Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking dramatically increases your risk, particularly for rheumatoid arthritis. Age also plays a role, as most inflammatory diseases develop between ages 30 and 50. Certain infections, exposure to environmental toxins, chronic stress, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency can all trigger or worsen inflammatory responses in genetically susceptible individuals.

Question 7

What happens if inflammatory diseases are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated inflammatory diseases can cause permanent joint damage, deformity, and disability as chronic inflammation destroys cartilage and bone. Your risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly because inflammation damages blood vessel walls and promotes plaque formation. Chronic inflammation can lead to organ damage, affecting the kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver. You may develop severe anemia, osteoporosis from chronic inflammation and medication, and increased susceptibility to infections. The persistent inflammatory state also raises your risk of developing lymphoma and other cancers, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for preventing these serious complications.

Question 8

Can inflammatory diseases be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory diseases, though they work best when combined with physical examination and imaging studies. The Albumin test reveals how chronic inflammation affects protein production, while the Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids panel identifies nutritional deficiencies that contribute to inflammation. Other blood tests like C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor, and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) help identify specific inflammatory markers and autoimmune activity, providing crucial information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Question 9

How is inflammatory disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for inflammatory diseases typically involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate that slow disease progression by suppressing overactive immune responses. Biologic medications targeting specific inflammatory pathways, such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, provide powerful symptom relief for many patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids help manage pain and reduce acute inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility. Treatment plans are individualized based on disease severity, symptoms, and how well you respond to medications, with regular blood tests monitoring treatment effectiveness and side effects.

Question 10

How can I prevent inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent genetic risk factors, you can reduce your chances of developing inflammatory diseases by not smoking or quitting if you currently smoke. Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet, as obesity promotes chronic inflammation. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, while limiting processed foods and sugar that trigger inflammatory responses. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Get adequate sleep, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain good oral hygiene, as gum disease can contribute to systemic inflammation.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with inflammatory diseases?

Accepted Answer

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements from fish oil or algae provide EPA and DHA that naturally reduce inflammation and may decrease joint pain and stiffness. Turmeric containing curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties when taken with black pepper to enhance absorption. Ginger, either fresh in cooking or as a supplement, can reduce inflammatory markers and pain. Regular gentle exercise like swimming, walking, or yoga helps maintain joint flexibility without triggering flare-ups. Applying heat or cold therapy to affected joints provides temporary relief, while stress-reduction techniques like meditation and deep breathing help calm overactive immune responses that drive inflammation.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Inflammatory Diseases Blood Test

What is Inflammatory Diseases?

What causes inflammatory diseases?

What is the best test for inflammatory diseases?

When should I get tested for inflammatory diseases?

References

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