What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's protective response to irritation, injury, or infection. When tissues are damaged by things like trauma, toxins, heat, or even a splinter, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade. This brings more blood to the area along with various cells and chemicals that help protect and heal the body.
What does inflammation feel like? The key signs are:
- Redness - More blood flows to the area, making it look red and feel warm
- Swelling - Fluids and immune cells flood to the site, causing puffiness
- Heat - More blood and cellular activity make inflamed areas feel warm
- Pain - Chemicals from immune cells sensitize nerves, making the area hurt
Acute vs. chronic inflammation
- Acute inflammation starts rapidly and lasts a few days. This type of inflammation is a normal healthy response that helps the body heal.
- Chronic inflammation lasts months or years, slowly damaging tissues. Diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders often involve chronic inflammation.
Here's a quick rundown of how acute inflammation works:
- The inflammatory cascade brings in a swarm of immune cells to remove cell debris, pathogens, and irritants
- Blood vessels dilate and become leakier, bringing in a flood of fluids, proteins, and cells
- Mast cells release histamine and other chemicals that make nearby nerves extra sensitive
- White blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages consume pathogens and cell debris
- Later on, lymphocytes coordinate more targeted immune defenses
This precisely regulated process neutralizes threats and initiates healing. Once the irritation is gone, the inflammation dies back down.
While this acute inflammatory response is protective, chronic inflammation gradually damages tissues over time, contributing to many concerning health conditions. That's why controlling inflammation is so important for staying healthy long-term!
Let me know if you have any other questions!