Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. It is a complex biological process that helps the body fight off harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation occurs rapidly and is typically resolved within a few days, while chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Inflammation can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and autoimmune disorders. When the body detects a harmful stimulus, such as a pathogen or damaged tissue, it triggers the inflammatory response to protect and repair the affected area.
The classic symptoms of inflammation are redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function in the affected area. These symptoms are the result of increased blood flow to the area, leakage of fluid from blood vessels, and the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury or infection.