What is Inflammation?

Our body responds to external stimuli in a number of ways. It does so to either build up its resistance against invasion from different pathogens, or in a step to protect the body from active disease processes. Inflammation is one such pathological process, and in this article we shall take a look at this in a bit more detail.

What is inflammation?

It is a physiological process that occurs within the body in response to an insult or injury such as the entry of bacteria or viruses into the body. It involves the recruitment of different cells within the body such as white blood cells to fight the invasion with these organisms, producing an effective way of getting rid of them. It is also involved in the healing process when we have an injury such as an ankle sprain or a cut on our arm.  However, it can be part and parcel of certain disease processes such as arthritis and cancer. Conditions called autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus for example, are also characterised by it. In essence, it is an immune response of the body that can be part of a healing process or part of an ongoing disease process.

Types of inflammation

Broadly classified, it is either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is one that develops over a short period of time, and is usually a response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation is one that develops and lasts for a long period of time, ranging from days to even years. Acute and chronic inflammation is mediated through different cells and pathways that result in the release of certain factors that can cause damage to or healing of tissues and systems.

Clinical conditions associated with inflammation – The bad side of inflammation

There are a number of clinical conditions in which inflammation plays an important role. It is implicated in clinical conditions such as bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, gastritis, diverticulitis and colitis.

While the above conditions can involve acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is a cause for more long standing conditions, many of which can be risk factors for the development of more serious disease states. For example, the chronic type can be part of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which are risk factors in the development of heart disease, stroke and dementia. In such situations, taking the right steps and reducing the inflammation can help manage these conditions effectively.

Conclusion

Inflammation is a complex process that involves a number of different cells and the release of numerous mediators. It can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the clinical situation.  It plays a prime role in disease processes, and is responsible for a number of different symptoms that patients experience. Controlling the chronic one may be the key to many of the diseases affecting society today.