Inflammation - HormoneHarmony

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to irritation, injury, or infection. The key signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Causes

Inflammation can be triggered by physical trauma, intense heat or cold, chemical irritants, infections from bacteria or viruses, stress, and toxins. Some common causes include:

• Cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds
• Burns or frostbite
• Reactions to irritants like pollen or toxins
• Joint injuries or autoimmune diseases like arthritis
• Infections from a virus, bacteria, or fungus

Purpose of inflammation

Inflammation serves an important protective purpose for the body. Key functions include:

• Bring white blood cells to attack foreign intruders like bacteria
• Remove damaged tissue and promote healing
• Trigger pain nerve signals as a warning sign of injury
• Initiate the repair process by stimulating growth of new tissue

So while the effects of inflammation can be uncomfortable, it's an essential part of the healing process. Controlling inflammation involves treating the underlying cause.

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