Inflamasyon

Inflamasyon, or inflammation, is the body's protective response to tissue injury, infection, or irritation. It involves blood vessels, immune cells, and chemical mediators that work together to eliminate harmful stimuli, clear damaged cells, and begin tissue repair. Inflammation is essential for healing, but when it is excessive, chronic, or misdirected it can contribute to tissue damage and disease.

The word inflammation derives from Latin inflammare, to set on fire; inflamasyon is the term used in several languages, including Turkish and Filipino, to describe the same process.

Inflammation occurs in two main forms: acute, which develops within minutes to days and ends with removal of the trigger, and chronic, which persists for weeks or months and may involve ongoing tissue injury and fibrosis. Classic signs include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

Mechanistically, inflammation starts with vascular changes: vasodilation and increased permeability allow fluids and immune cells to reach the site. Neutrophils are typically the first responders, followed by macrophages. Cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1, as well as prostaglandins and chemokines, coordinate cell recruitment and the local inflammatory response. Resolution involves anti-inflammatory mediators and clearance of debris; failure to resolve can lead to chronic inflammation.

Common triggers include infections, physical injury, chemical irritants, allergens, and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms depend on location and duration; laboratory tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can indicate systemic inflammation.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause and reducing harmful inflammation. Approaches include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids for certain cases, analgesics, antibiotics when infection is present, and nonpharmacologic measures such as rest and local cooling or compression.