Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to an injury or infection. It helps the body remove harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process.
When tissue injury occurs, whether from a cut or infection, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade. This involves increased blood flow to the area along with the accumulation of fluid, proteins, and white blood cells.
The classic signs of acute inflammation include:
These cardinal signs help kill bacteria, remove debris, and set the stage for tissue repair. Vasodilation brings more blood to transport leukocytes and proteins to the site of inflammation.
While acute inflammation is a normal part of healing, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage over time. This often stems from an inability to eliminate the initial harmful stimulus.
Prolonged inflammation is thought to be a factor in many modern diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Treating the underlying cause of inflammation may help prevent these problems.
If you're struggling with chronic inflammation or an autoimmune condition, the caring professionals at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic may be able to help. Their integrative therapies aim to identify and address the root physiological imbalances driving your inflammation. Contact them today for a free 15-minute consultation to see if their services are right for you.
Now you know what inflammation is, what it does, and how it can become harmful over time. The key points about inflammation include:
I hope this overview has helped explain what inflammation is all about! Let me know if you have any other questions.