Hyperemia

Hyperemia is a medical condition characterized by an increased amount of blood flow to different tissues in the body. It can occur in any part of the body, but is most commonly observed in the skin, particularly in the face and neck area. Hyperemia can be either active, resulting from increased arterial blood flow, or passive, resulting from obstruction of the venous drainage from a tissue.

Causes

Hyperemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including inflammation, exercise, heat, and certain diseases. In the case of active hyperemia, the increased blood flow is due to local vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. This can be caused by the release of certain chemicals, such as histamine, in response to injury or inflammation. Passive hyperemia, on the other hand, is usually caused by an obstruction in the veins that prevents blood from draining away from a tissue.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hyperemia can vary depending on the cause and the area of the body affected. Common symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected area. In some cases, hyperemia can also cause pain and discomfort.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve anti-inflammatory medications for inflammation, rest and elevation for exercise-induced hyperemia, or surgery for obstructions causing passive hyperemia.

See also

• Vasodilation
• Inflammation
• Histamine

References

Hyperemia Resources
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