Inflammation : "A fundamental pathologic process consisting of a dynamic complex of histologically apparent cytologic changes, cellular infiltration, and mediator release that occurs in the affected blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal stimulation caused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent, including the local reactions and resulting morphologic changes; the destruction or removal of the injurious material; and the responses that lead to repair and healing.
Inflammation is the body's attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens - and begin the healing process.
When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological response to try to remove it, the signs and symptoms of inflammation, specifically acute inflammation, show that the body is trying to heal itself. Inflammation does not mean infection, even when an infection causes inflammation. Infection is caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus, while inflammation is the body's response to it.
Acute inflammation - starts rapidly (rapid onset) and quickly becomes severe. Signs and symptoms are only present for a few days, but in some cases may persist for a few weeks.
Examples of diseases, conditions, and situations which can result in acute inflammation include: acute bronchitis, infected ingrown toenail, sore throat from a cold or flu, a scratch/cut on the skin, exercise (especially intense training), acute appendicitis, acute dermatitis, acute tonsillitis, acute infective meningitis, acute sinusitis, or a blow.
Chronic inflammation - this means long-term inflammation, which can last for several months and even years. It can result from:
? Failure to eliminate whatever was causing an acute inflammation
? An autoimmune response to a self antigen - the immune system attacks healthy tissue, mistaking it (them) for harmful pathogens.
? A chronic irritant of low intensity that persists
Examples of diseases and conditions with chronic inflammation include: asthma, chronicpeptic ulcer, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic periodontitis, ulcerative colitis andCrohn's disease, chronic sinusitis, and chronic active hepatitis cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontitis, and hay fever
Drugs Used _ NSAID’S ( Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac Sodium, Aceclofenac , Acetaminophen) and Corticosteroids ( Both Mineralocorticoids and Glucocorticoids)