Inflamed

Inflamed is the adjective used to describe tissue that is undergoing inflammation, a protective response of the body's immune system to injury or infection. Inflammation serves to remove harmful stimuli and begin tissue repair, but it can also cause symptoms such as redness (calor and rubor), warmth, swelling (edema), pain (dolor), and sometimes loss of function.

The process is driven by the innate immune system. Vasoactive mediators widen blood vessels and increase vascular permeability, leading to redness and swelling. White blood cells are recruited to the site by chemokines and cytokines, where they neutralize pathogens, clear debris, and release mediators that propagate or regulate the response. Acute inflammation is short‑lived, typically lasting hours to days; chronic inflammation persists for weeks or months and can lead to tissue damage and scarring.

Common causes include infections, physical injury, chemical irritants, autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, and foreign bodies. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and may be supported by laboratory tests such as C-reactive protein or ESR, complete blood count, and imaging to assess tissue involvement.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and symptom relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation; corticosteroids may be used for more severe or persistent inflammation. In cases of infection, antibiotics are necessary. Chronic inflammation may require disease‑modifying therapies and lifestyle changes.

Prognosis depends on cause and duration; many inflammatory responses resolve with appropriate treatment, while unresolved inflammation can lead to complications such as tissue damage or fibrosis.