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Inflammation is the body's natural defense against injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. It increases blood flow to the affected area, bringing immune cells to fight pathogens and repair tissue.
Key features of inflammation:
- Response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or tissue damage.
- Increased vascular permeability, leukocyte migration, and the production of various chemical mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines).
- Can encompass acute (short-term) and/or chronic (long-term); localized and/or systemic; innate and/or adaptive immune responses.
- Contributes to tissue damage and disease progression in conditions like atherosclerosis, autoimmune disease, and cancer.
Acute inflammation is a short-term, often beneficial response, while chronic inflammation is prolonged and can lead to diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. This can be due to various factors including genetic predisposition, poor lifestyle habits, such as following a standard american diet, and underlying medical conditions. Managing inflammation is crucial for health and can be achieved through lifestyle changes and medications.
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