Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury or infection. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function of a body part or internal organ. When inflammation becomes excessive, anti-inflammatory drugs are used:
Antihistamines lessen itching and swelling in some allergic conditions, and they help to decrease the signs of immediate allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
Corticosteroids are very effective at suppressing inflammation, but they also suppress the immune system, which can increase infection risk. Some corticosteroids are used to treat itchy skin conditions, allergies involving the respiratory or digestive tracts, and even severe allergic reactions.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) decrease pain and inflammation without the strong immune-suppressing effects of steroids. NOTE: Do not give NSAIDs prescribed for humans to a pet unless a vet tells you to, because they can be toxic to some species, including cats and ferrets.
Chondroprotective agents, such as supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, can protect joint cartilage in cases of arthritis. Research continues to look at how well they work in animals.
