
Inflammation is a crucial part of the body’s immune response, aimed at protecting and healing tissues from harmful stimuli such as pathogens, injuries, or irritants. It is not an infection itself but rather a response to an infection or injury. Common signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected area.
Various diseases or conditions can trigger inflammation, such as cystitis (bladder inflammation), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), otitis media (middle ear infection), and dermatitis (skin inflammation).
During inflammation, the body releases inflammatory mediators like bradykinin and histamine, which cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the injured tissue. This results in redness and warmth at the inflamed site. White blood cells are attracted to the area to help clean up foreign proteins and facilitate the healing process. Additionally, clotting factors are released to control blood flow and promote wound healing.
While acute inflammation is a protective response, chronic inflammation can be detrimental and is linked to various medical conditions, including asthma, acne, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis.
Chronic inflammation may lead to persistent symptoms such as swelling, redness, and continuous pain. It can also result in systemic effects such as fever and increased metabolism. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to chronic inflammation.
Incomplete healing of inflammation or recurrent episodes can prolong the inflammatory process and contribute to long-term tissue damage. Therefore, it’s essential to manage inflammation effectively to prevent complications and promote overall health and well-being.