Põletikuprotsessi

Põletikuprotsess, commonly referred to as inflammation in English, is a fundamental biological response of the body's tissues to harmful stimuli. These stimuli can include pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective mechanism designed to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged as a result of the original insult and the acute response, and to initiate tissue repair.

The hallmarks of acute inflammation are typically redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa). These signs are caused by a complex interplay of cellular and molecular events. Key players include blood vessels, which undergo vasodilation and increased permeability to allow immune cells and plasma proteins to reach the site of injury, and leukocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which migrate to the area to phagocytose pathogens and debris.

Chronic inflammation can arise when the acute inflammatory response fails to eliminate the insult, leading to prolonged tissue damage and potentially fibrosis. This can be caused by persistent infections, prolonged exposure to toxic agents, or autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. While inflammation is a vital defense mechanism, uncontrolled or chronic inflammation can contribute to a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cancer. The resolution of inflammation involves counter-regulatory mechanisms that dampen the inflammatory response and promote healing.