INFLAMMATION - LEARN ABOUT SIGNS, TYPES, DISEASES AND HOW ARE INFLAMMATION TREATED

What is the Inflammation

The inflammatory response is the body's natural response that occurs immediately following tissue damage. It's main functions are to defend the body against harmful substances, dispose of dead or dying tissue and to promote the renewal of normal tissue.

What are the signs of Inflammation

The inflammatory reaction is normally characterized by 5 distinct signs, each of which is due to a physiological response to tissue injury.

• Pain (due to chemicals released by damaged cells).
• Swelling or Edema (due to an influx of fluid into the damaged region).
• Redness (due to vasodilatation- the widening of blood vessels and bleeding in the joint or structure).
• Heat (due to an increase in blood flow to the area).
• Loss of function (due to increased swelling and pain).

Often, only a few of these symptoms are present. Inflammation may also be associated with general "flu-like" symptoms including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle stiffnes

» Learn more: Inflammation

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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