Inflammation has many causes, including infections, injuries, and diseases. Signs of inflammation help healthcare providers in making a diagnosis. Five cardinal signs characterize this response: pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. In some cases, though, there may be no symptoms of inflammation at all. Show
This article describes two types of inflammation—acute and chronic—and details the five signs. It also discusses additional signs and complications of inflammation, as well as treatment options. Verywell / JR Bee.What Is Inflammation?Inflammation is a complex process involving a variety of cell and signaling proteins that protect the body from infection and foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. Inflammation helps the body by producing white blood cells, which your body needs to fight infection. Sometimes, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response inappropriately. This is the case with autoimmune diseases. The body compensates by attacking its own healthy tissues, acting as if they are infected or abnormal. When the inflammation process starts, chemicals in white blood cells are released into the blood and the affected tissues to protect the body. The chemicals increase blood flow to the infected or injured body areas, causing redness and warmth. These chemicals may also cause leaking of fluids into tissues, resulting in swelling. This protective process can also stimulate nerves and tissues, causing pain. Types of InflammationAcute InflammationAcute inflammation may include heat (sometimes from fever) or warmth in the affected area. Acute inflammation is a healthy and necessary function that helps the body attack bacteria and other foreign substances in the body. Once the body has healed, inflammation subsides. Examples of conditions that cause acute inflammation include:
Chronic InflammationChronic inflammation may continue to attack healthy areas if it doesn't "turn off." It may not be as visible as acute inflammation. Some chronic inflammatory conditions include:
Signs of InflammationThe five cardinal signs of inflammation. They may differ in the organs that they affect, but signs of inflammation in the heart and other sites of the body share much in common. PainWith both acute and chronic inflammation, inflammatory chemicals can stimulate nerve endings, causing the affected areas to feel more sensitive. Inflammation can cause pain in joints and muscles. When inflammation is chronic, a person
will experience high levels of pain sensitivity and stiffness. The inflamed areas may be sensitive to touch. HeatWhen inflamed areas of the body feel warm, it is because there is more blood flow in those areas. People with arthritic conditions may have inflamed joints that feel warm to the touch. The skin around those joints, however, may not have the same warmth. Whole-body inflammation may cause fevers as a result of the inflammatory response when someone has an illness or infection. RednessInflamed areas of the body may appear red because the blood vessels of inflamed areas are wider than usual. SwellingSwelling, or edema, is common when a part of the body is inflamed. It results from fluid accumulating in tissues either throughout the body or in the affected area. Swelling may cause pressure on the skin and other tissue, leading to pain. Swelling can occur without inflammation, especially with injuries. Loss of FunctionInflammation may cause loss of function related to both injury and illness. For example, an inflamed joint may not move properly, or a respiratory infection causing signs of inflammation in the lungs may make it difficult to breathe. Acute inflammation occurs at the onset of an injury that lasts for several days. It involves two components:
What Are Cytokines?Cytokines released into the bloodstream lead to increased vascular permeability, or the ability of molecules to pass through blood vessels and reach tissue. Cytokines are molecules that encourage your cells to communicate with each other. A healthy immune system depends on them. Additional Signs and ComplicationsWhen inflammation is severe, it may cause additional signs and symptoms, including:
Inflammation due to illness may have dangerous complications, including a condition called sepsis. This occurs when the body's immune system overwhelmingly responds to a serious infection, which leads to generalized, life-threatening tissue damage. CausesThe causes of inflammation are extensive but can be broadly classified as:
Diagnosing InflammationNo single test can diagnose inflammation or the conditions that cause it. Instead, based on your symptoms, your healthcare provider will decide which tests may be needed. First, your healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also request bloodwork and imaging studies. Blood TestsBlood tests can look for certain biological markers that indicate inflammation is present. However, these tests are considered informative rather than diagnostic. They help give your healthcare provider clues as to what’s going on. Tests your healthcare provider may request include:
ImagingImaging modalities that can detect inflammation include:
TreatmentTreatment will depend on the specific disease or ailment and the severity of symptoms. Acute InflammationFor general inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend:
If inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic InflammationIn addition to treating joint pain and inflammation, medications for inflammatory diseases can help to prevent or minimize disease progression. Medications may include:
Because many medications used to treat inflammatory diseases can cause harsh side effects, it is
important to see your healthcare provider regularly. Preventing Chronic InflammationThere are several lifestyle changes you can make to prevent and reverse chronic inflammation. These include:
SummaryInflammation occurs as your body fights infection. And as it wages the fight, you may experience pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. The symptoms are common enough, but it's still smart to learn the differences between acute and chronic inflammation. It probably will make a difference in how your particular case of inflammation is treated. A Word From VerywellInflammation is a necessary part of the healing process and usually nothing to worry about. But when inflammation is chronic, it can be a serious health problem. See your healthcare provider to identify the source of the inflammation. It's the first step toward proper treatment. Frequently Asked Questions
How does inflammation cause fever?Fever is a hallmark of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It is generated by the concerted action of various autonomic responses, such as peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased sweating, reducing heat loss, and shivering, and possibly also non-shivering, thermogenesis.
What are the events of inflammatory response quizlet?The events of the acute inflammatory response are vasodilation and increased permeability of the capillaries. Vasodilation is triggered when damaged cells release histamines. The vasodilation permits increased blood flow into the area of infection,and also causes the area to become red and warmer.
Which classic signs would the nurse observe in a wound that is in the inflammatory phase of healing?The inflammatory phase of wound healing is responsible for the classical signs of inflammation that occur in response to an injury: erythema, heat, oedema, pain and decreased function.
How does the inflammatory response work?The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The damaged cells release chemicals including histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling.
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