Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective response that involves immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators.
The purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult and the inflammatory process, and to initiate tissue repair.
The classical signs of acute inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation is a generic response, and therefore it is considered as a mechanism of innate immunity, as compared to adaptive immunity, which is specific for each pathogen.
While acute inflammation typically resolves within a few days to weeks, chronic inflammation can persist for months or years and can be associated with a range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, and some types of cancer.
Further Reading:
Learn What Causes Inflammation and How to Treat It
8 Best Essential Oils for Inflammation
Top 10 Supplements for Inflammation