A primer on inflammation

Inflammation is the localized, protective response of the body to injury or infection. The classic clinical signs that characterize inflammation are heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function. During inflammation, cells and their secreted chemicals attempt to destroy, dilute, or wall off the injurious agent. A series of biochemical events cause the blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, resulting in the activation of the complement, clotting, and kinin systems. The end result of inflammation is the return of function by the regeneration or repair of the affected tissue. In some instances, inflammation may continue for a prolonged period of time, producing untoward consequences for localized tissue as well as the entire body. The purpose of this article is to provide a basic and simplified understanding of how the inflammatory process functions in the human body.