Inflammation is your body’s response to injury or infection. It’s a complex process involving various cells and molecules working together.
Think of it like this: your body detects a problem – a cut, a bacterial invasion, even an allergen. This triggers a cascade of events.
- Blood vessels dilate: This increases blood flow to the affected area, causing redness and warmth. Capillaries become more permeable: This allows fluids, proteins, and white blood cells (like neutrophils and macrophages) to leak into the tissue. This causes swelling (edema). White blood cells attack invaders: These cells engulf and destroy pathogens or remove damaged cells. This process might cause pain.
These are the hallmarks of inflammation: redness, warmth, swelling, and pain (plus sometimes loss of function).
Inflammation is usually a beneficial, short-term process. It helps eliminate harmful substances and begin the healing process. However, chronic or excessive inflammation can damage tissues and contribute to various diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Acute inflammation is a short-term response, resolving within days or weeks. Chronic inflammation persists for months or years, potentially leading to long-term health problems.
Managing inflammation involves addressing the underlying cause and, in some cases, using anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin to control symptoms and reduce tissue damage.
