5th February 2024

Summary

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to any stimuli perceived to be harmful or dangerous to the body. These stimuli can include pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, irritants, allergens, toxins, foreign bodies and damaged tissue. The process of inflammation functions to remove the causative stimuli and begin healing of damaged bodily structures.

Acute inflammation results from a primitive cascade of molecular signalling and interactions. Cells can be activated through damage or detection of foreign material or pathogens to express and release inflammatory mediators. These chemicals cause localised responses that result in the clinical manifestations of inflammation:

• Redness of tissue due to vasodilation and increased blood flow
• Localised tissue swelling due to increased vascular permeability
• Localised heat is also due to increased blood flow or a systemic febrile state
• Pain through stimulation of sensory nerve endings
• Loss of function

Inflammation can be detrimental to the body and cause damage to the host. The process can play a fundamental role in pathology as they are inappropriately activated or excessive in response to relatively harmless stimuli. Examples of adverse inflammatory responses include autoimmune disorders and allergic reactions.