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Inflammation FAQ

Inflammation FAQ

Why do we get inflammation?

Inflammation is one of the fastest immune responses, and quickly helps the body recover from injuries like cuts or infections. It directs the immune system's key components to the site of the injury or infection in order to localize and contain the problem in a small area.

It can seem like the inflammation is causing the problem, as it is often painful, but in reality, inflammation helps us recover from injuries quickly. Without inflammation, minor injuries would potentially be life threatening.

What happens in the body when the inflammatory response is activated?

Several processes occur in inflammation. Blood vessels expand, and more blood flows to the area, which causes the affected area to become red, warm, and swollen. The heat itself helps to fight off bacteria and infection, and the expansion of the blood vessels allow bacteria fighting immune cells to pass through more efficiently. The pain involved is likely due to physical pressure on the nerve cells. Keep in mind that this is a simplified explanation of the process. The inflammatory response is an extremely complex process that we are beginning to unravel, and a full explanation is well beyond the scope of this site.

Is inflammation temporary? How long does it last?

In healthy individuals the inflammatory process is a fast-effecting, but temporary state. Once the infection, wound, or foreign substance is removed, the process quickly reverses itself and goes back to a normal state. If the process does not reverse itself, it can become problematic, resulting in chronic inflammation.

What is chronic inflammation and why is it bad?

Inflammation is supposed to be a fast-acting but temporary process that aids healing. While inflammation is an important process of healing, it has negative consequences if it does not resolve quickly, often destroying surrounding cells, and resulting in chronic pain. Diabetes, old age, weakened immune system, and repeated injury all make chronic inflammation more likely. If an injury becomes chronic, or if you are experiencing chronic inflammation, we recommend that you visit a doctor.

Is inflammation the same thing as the immune system?

The immune system is an extremely complicated set of protective mechanisms; inflammation is a part of the immune response. For example, the skin is part of the immune system, and the first line of defence. Once the skin is broken or damaged, inflammation takes place, making the environment favourable for bacteria fighting cells.

 
     
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