inflammatory

Inflammatory is an adjective relating to inflammation, the protective response of body tissues to injury, infection, or irritation. Inflammation is part of the innate immune system and serves to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear damaged cells, and begin tissue repair. The process is typically triggered by recognition of pathogens or damaged cells by resident immune cells, which release mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines (for example interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor), and chemokines.

Local signs often include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function. Systemic signs may include fever and an elevated white blood cell count. The vascular and cellular steps involve vasodilation, increased vascular permeability allowing plasma proteins to leak into tissue (edema), and recruitment of neutrophils followed by monocytes and macrophages. These events help contain and neutralize the threat and pave the way for repair.

Inflammation is classified as acute or chronic. Acute inflammation begins within minutes to hours and typically resolves within days if the underlying cause is removed. Chronic inflammation persists for weeks to months and is associated with ongoing tissue injury and repair, often featuring macrophages, lymphocytes, fibrosis, or granuloma formation.

Clinical significance includes benefits and potential harm. Inflammation can support healing but excessive or misdirected inflammation contributes to tissue damage and to chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and sepsis. Laboratory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, ESR) help assess inflammatory activity. Treatments target symptoms and causes, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or therapies aimed at specific inflammatory pathways. Word origin is Latin, inflammare, meaning “to set on fire.”