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Inflammation

Last updated: February 20, 2019

What Does Inflammation Mean?

Inflammation is a localized bodily reaction that results in redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a result of infection, irritation, or injury. It can be external or internal.

Safeopedia Explains Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to harmful stimuli—such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants—as a means of self-protection. It is the body's way of removing these elements and beginning the healing process by clearing out necrotic cells and tissues that may have been damaged by the original stimuli.

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic, and it is not to be mistaken for infection, despite the fact that an infection may cause inflammation. As a vital part of the body's immune response, inflammation is considered a mechanism of innate immunity. However, in some cases it can become long-term (chronic) and cause problems due to other related conditions, such arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease. Habitual or environmental factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, pollution, and poor health can all lead to chronic inflammation.

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