Introduction
Inflammation, as described by Gilroy and Lawrence (2008), is a primitive response that aids against damage or injury to tissue. It is also described as the first step of restoring injured tissue back to its normal physiological purpose. We as humans, depend on inflammation because our survival and health is determined by how efficient the inflammatory response is when it comes to kick-starting the process of wound healing. In this essay, I will be discussing the anatomical pathology of inflammation, i.e. the causes, signs/symptoms and treatment of inflammation as well as discussing some articles pertaining to the mechanism of inflammation, how inflammation promotes the healing process, what occurs when one wants to induce inflammation,
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Acute inflammation can be described as the immediate response to an inflammatory stimulus. and is caused by microbial infections (bacteria, fungi), hypersensitivity (to pollen/dust), physical agents (injury, temperature change), chemicals (corrosive substances) and tissue necrosis (ischaemic infarctions). Primary symptoms of acute inflammation include oedema, pain, loss of function in the affected area, heat and redness in the area. Chronic inflammation can be described as inflammation that lasts for an abnormally long period of time. Causes of chronic inflammation can either be due to primary chronic inflammation or secondary chronic inflammation. The reasons for primary chronic inflammation may be any/all factors which are not depended on unabridged phagocytosis, any infectious means (such as TB, certain protozoa and leprosy) and any non-metabolizing material such as foreign bodies. Secondary chronic inflammation can be caused by improper treatment of acute inflammation (such as long-term anti-inflammatory therapy), defects in the effectors of acute inflammation (defect in the neutrophils) or stress and burns. Acute inflammation can promote healing as long as it is not present for too long (as long as it does not become chronic) as inflammation is an essential component of tissue regeneration. A common form of treatment for inflammation is cryotherapy, where the decreased temperature reduces the blood flow to the area, reducing inflammation and swelling. The cold temperature might also affect the nerves in the area, further reducing pain