Chronic inflammation is an ongoing immune response to something your body believes is damaging your cells. This involves increased blood flow to the damaged area and the release of antibodies and proteins. Chronic inflammation can have a negative impact on your tissues and organs and has been linked to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Some of the possible causes of chronic inflammation include long-term exposure to toxins, untreated causes of acute inflammation like injury or infection, and autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Smoking, chronic stress, obesity, and alcohol use may also contribute to chronic inflammation.