Inflame
Inflame
Inflame (/ɪnˈfleɪm/), from the Latin inflammare meaning "to set on fire", is a medical term used to describe the process of the body's response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective response that involves immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult and the inflammatory process, and initiate tissue repair.
Symptoms
The five cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Pain is caused by the release of chemicals such as bradykinin and histamine that stimulate nerve endings. Heat and redness are due to increased blood flow to the area. Swelling, or edema, is caused by accumulation of fluid, and loss of function may result from pain or swelling.
Types
Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. Chronic inflammation leads to a progressive shift 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.
Causes
Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection by pathogens, physical injury, chemical irritants, burns, and exposure to extreme temperatures or radiation.
Treatment
Treatment for inflammation may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol). Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are also commonly used to reduce inflammation.
Related Terms
- Inflammatory response
- Inflammatory disease
- Inflammatory marker
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Inflammatory arthritis
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inflame
- Wikipedia's article - Inflame
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