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What is inflammation? Inflammation
is an immune system response to protect the body from infection.
Inflammation occurs when white blood cells migrate out of blood
vessels into the infected area, where they act as phagocytes
(destroyers of foreign matter). The white cells
can also wall off the infected area, preventing its spread to other
parts of the body. A secondary aspect of inflammation involves the
movement of protein containing fluids to the affected area. The
dilation of upstream and constriction of downstream blood vessels to
the infected area results in a loss of blood plasma at the site,
which leads to swelling. Pain results from the compression of nerve
endings that the swelling causes.
Inflammation progresses
through four stages:
Redness
Heat
Swelling
Pain
Inflammation
can also bring on general flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills,
fatigue, loss of energy and headaches.
In
some cases the inflammation response can be triggered even when there
is no foreign invader. Such is the case with auto immune diseases
such as rheumatoid arthritis and shoulder tendonitis. In these cases
the body’s protective system actually causes damage to itself.
Inflammation as a response
to injury is non-specific in that it occurs in an identical manner
regardless of the situation that prompts it. Inflammation is a
necessary and integral part of the immune system. However, excess or
chronic inflammation can be damaging to our health.
Recent
research indicates that inflammation may be a major contributor to
atherosclerosis, Alhzeimer’s disease and some cancers. In fact,
excessive inflammation is a by-product of many diseases.
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