Inflammations

Inflammation is a complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators with the aim of eliminating the initial cause of cell injury, clearing out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult and the inflammatory process, and initiating tissue repair.

Types of Inflammation

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic.

Acute Inflammation

Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes (especially granulocytes) from the blood into the injured tissues. A cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prominent signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response that involves a progressive change in the type of cells present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process. It can result from the failure to eliminate the cause of acute inflammation, an autoimmune response to a self antigen, or a chronic irritant of low intensity that persists.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of inflammation is a complex sequence of events that begins with a cell injury that triggers an inflammatory response. The process involves the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the damaged tissue. Key steps include increased permeability of blood vessels leading to an influx of white blood cells, release of cytokines and chemokines to direct the response, and the migration of cells to the site of injury.

Clinical Manifestations

The classical signs of inflammation are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function. These are manifestations of the physiological changes that occur during the inflammatory process.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of inflammation is by clinical examination and may be supported by laboratory tests that can include markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and complete blood count (CBC). Treatment of inflammation depends on the underlying cause. It may involve rest, application of ice, compression, elevation, and administration of anti-inflammatory medications.

Prevention and Management

Preventing inflammation involves reducing risk factors such as controlling infections, avoiding injury, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Management of chronic inflammation may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and the use of medications to reduce the inflammatory response.