How do doctors get rid of inflammation? Your guide to medical treatments

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Chronic inflammation contributes to a wide range of diseases, from arthritis to heart disease. When persistent symptoms arise, understanding how do doctors get rid of inflammation? becomes crucial, involving a range of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies tailored to the individual patient's condition and the underlying cause.

Quick Summary

Doctors address inflammation through a multi-tiered approach, often starting with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, and can progress to more advanced treatments like biologics or targeted injections for severe or chronic cases. The specific treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity.

Key Points

Diagnosis First: Before any treatment, doctors must diagnose the underlying cause of inflammation using physical exams, blood tests (like CRP and ESR), and imaging to create a targeted plan.
Initial Treatment with NSAIDs: For mild to moderate inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are common first-line treatments, but long-term use requires monitoring due to side effects.
Potent Corticosteroids for Severe Cases: For severe flare-ups, doctors use powerful corticosteroids (like prednisone) to quickly reduce inflammation, often administered orally or by injection for short-term relief.
Advanced Therapies for Chronic Conditions: Conditions like autoimmune diseases often require more advanced treatments, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, which modify the immune response.
Lifestyle Management is Crucial: A multi-faceted approach includes dietary changes (reducing processed foods, increasing omega-3s), regular moderate exercise, and stress reduction techniques to help manage and lower systemic inflammation.

The Diagnostic Process: Finding the Root Cause

Before treatment can begin, a doctor must first determine the cause and type of inflammation. This initial phase is critical for developing an effective treatment plan. The process often starts with a detailed physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Acute inflammation, which is the body's short-term response to an injury or infection, is often easily identifiable by symptoms like redness, swelling, heat, and pain. In contrast, chronic inflammation can be more subtle and requires a deeper investigation.

Investigative Tools for Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose chronic inflammatory conditions, doctors may use several tools:

Blood Tests: Common markers checked in blood tests include C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Elevated levels can indicate systemic inflammation, though they are not specific to a single disease.
Imaging: X-rays, MRI, and ultrasounds can reveal inflammation in joints, organs, or other tissues. For instance, an MRI might show inflammation in the spinal cord associated with multiple sclerosis.
Biopsies: In some cases, a tissue biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, such as in inflammatory bowel disease or certain types of vasculitis.

First-Line Treatments: Medications for Mild to Moderate Cases

For many patients, especially those with acute or less severe chronic inflammation, medication is the primary course of treatment. The options range from common over-the-counter drugs to more potent prescription formulas.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These are among the most frequently prescribed medications for inflammation. Available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths, NSAIDs work by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins, the chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. Common examples include:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Aspirin

While effective, long-term use of NSAIDs carries risks, including stomach ulcers, bleeding, and potential heart and kidney issues, especially in higher doses. A doctor will carefully weigh these risks against the benefits.

Corticosteroids: Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents

For more severe inflammatory episodes, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids. These powerful drugs, like prednisone, suppress the immune system's inflammatory response. They are available in several forms:

Oral: For widespread or systemic inflammation (e.g., severe arthritis flare-ups, asthma).
Injected: Directly into a specific inflamed joint or muscle for targeted relief.
Topical: Creams and ointments for skin conditions like rashes.

Due to significant potential side effects like weight gain, bone thinning, and mood swings, corticosteroids are typically prescribed for short-term use to control flare-ups.

Advanced Therapies for Chronic and Autoimmune Conditions

For chronic inflammatory conditions, especially autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own tissues, doctors may turn to more specialized treatments.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

These medications work to slow or halt the progression of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. They suppress the immune system but act more slowly than corticosteroids. Examples include methotrexate and sulfasalazine.

Biologic Agents

Derived from living cells, biologics are a newer class of DMARDs. They are engineered to target and block specific proteins or cells involved in the inflammatory process. They are often more effective but also carry a higher risk of infection due to their targeted immunosuppression.

Targeted Synthetic DMARDs

Known as JAK inhibitors, these are small-molecule drugs that block specific signals within cells that cause inflammation. They represent a more targeted approach than traditional DMARDs and are used when conventional therapies fail.

Lifestyle and Holistic Management

Doctors also emphasize lifestyle modifications as a critical component of managing chronic inflammation. These are often used in conjunction with medication to provide a comprehensive approach to patient health.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Incorporating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can significantly help. This includes:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Polyphenols: Plant-based compounds found in berries, green tea, turmeric, and leafy greens.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Conversely, doctors recommend reducing pro-inflammatory foods, such as processed items, trans fats, and excess sugar. You can find excellent, evidence-based guidance on dietary approaches from resources like Harvard Health.

Exercise and Weight Management

Regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial, as excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is linked to higher levels of inflammation.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress has been shown to fuel chronic inflammation. Doctors may suggest stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help manage the body's inflammatory response.

Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory Medications


Feature	NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen)	Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)	Biologics (e.g., Humira)
Mechanism	Block enzymes that produce prostaglandins.	Potently suppress the immune system's inflammatory response.	Target specific proteins or cells involved in inflammation.
Speed of Action	Relatively fast (hours).	Very fast for injections, hours/days for oral.	Slower, may take weeks to months to show full effect.
Use Case	Acute pain, mild arthritis, sprains.	Severe flare-ups, autoimmune disease, severe asthma.	Moderate to severe autoimmune diseases (e.g., RA, IBD, psoriasis).
Delivery Method	Oral tablets, topical gels.	Oral, injection (IV or joint), topical.	Injection or infusion.
Main Side Effects	Stomach upset, ulcers, cardiovascular risks with long-term use.	Weight gain, bone thinning, mood changes, increased infection risk.	Increased risk of serious infection, higher cost.

Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Relief

Ultimately, there is no single answer to how do doctors get rid of inflammation? The approach is highly personalized, based on a comprehensive diagnostic process and the severity of the condition. Doctors utilize a spectrum of treatments, from easily accessible NSAIDs and potent corticosteroids to cutting-edge biologics, alongside essential lifestyle adjustments. Effective treatment often involves a combination of these methods to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause, providing patients with the best chance for long-term relief and improved quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare professional is the first and most important step towards managing any inflammatory condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acute inflammation is a short-term, beneficial response to injury or infection, characterized by visible signs like swelling and redness. Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, harmful response that can be systemic and lead to various diseases, often with more subtle symptoms.

Doctors can test for inflammation using blood tests that check for markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, can also reveal signs of inflammation in specific areas of the body.

OTC NSAIDs are often effective for mild to moderate acute inflammation. However, they may not be sufficient for chronic or severe conditions. You should always consult a doctor if your symptoms are persistent or worsening.

Biologics are advanced medications derived from living organisms that target specific parts of the immune system. Doctors use them for moderate to severe chronic inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, when other treatments have failed.

While diet alone may not eliminate inflammation, incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet can be a powerful tool. This involves eating foods rich in omega-3s, fiber, and polyphenols while limiting processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Yes, moderate exercise is generally recommended and can help reduce chronic inflammation. It is important to work with your doctor or a physical therapist to create an appropriate exercise plan that doesn't exacerbate your specific condition.

Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases where inflammation has caused significant, irreversible joint or tissue damage. Procedures might include arthroscopy to repair damage or, in severe instances, joint replacement.