Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an irritating substance or event. The body’s natural defense mechanism, inflammation occurs as the body attempts to heal itself. Inflammation also serves as the body’s biological response to attempt to remove a harmful or irritating substance that has entered the body. While inflammation is a biological defense response, inflammation alone does not indicate that infection is present in the body.
The specific cause of inflammation often defines the type and severity of symptoms present; however, inflammation often presents a range of common symptoms. Typical symptoms of inflammation include redness, a swollen or tender joint, joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Additionally, inflammation may cause more general “flu”-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, loss of energy, headaches, loss of appetite, and muscle stiffness.
Inflammation is generally caused by the release of chemicals from the body into the bloodstream or affected tissues. The release of chemicals increases or heightens the blood flow to the specific area that has been injured or infected and typically results in redness and heat in the area. Additionally, chemicals that leak into the tissues causing swelling. The entire process of reaction and healing activates the nerves and causes pain.
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