Inflammation - Hormone Health Center

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's protective response to irritation, injury, or infection. It's characterized by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function. When tissues are damaged by things like pathogens, physical trauma, chemicals, or heat, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade.

Why does inflammation happen?

• It's a defense mechanism - the body reacts to harmful stimuli by trying to remove it and initiate healing.
• Specialized immune cells are activated and brought to the site of injury by chemical messenger molecules like histamines, bradykinins, and prostaglandins.
• Blood vessels dilate allowing more blood to flow to the area. This causes reddening and heat.
• Increased blood flow brings more immune cells and clotting factors to wall off and destroy bacteria or foreign matter.
• Fluid leaks out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling. This helps isolate and destroy pathogens and irritants.
• Injured tissues release chemical signals that make nerve endings more sensitive, causing pain. This warns us to avoid using the area and further injury.

Acute vs chronic inflammation

Acute inflammation starts rapidly and lasts for a short time. It's the normal healthy response to injuries and infections. Chronic inflammation persists over longer periods and can cause tissue damage. It's associated with diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.

While inflammation is initially beneficial, too much can become a problem itself. Achieving the right balance is necessary for optimal health. I hope this gives you a good overview of this important biological process! Let me know if you have any other questions.