$Unique_ID{BRK00652}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Just What Does Inflammation Mean?}
$Subject{inflammation}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Just What Does Inflammation Mean?


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QUESTION:  The word "inflammation" is used in so many ways in many medical
articles, that though I thing I know the sense of the word, I am not sure that
I really know what it means.  Would you please just what inflammation is, and
what the word really means?

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ANSWER:  I would be happy to.  An inflammation is a reaction in the body when
the tissues have become irritated, usually by injury or infection, although
there are other causes.  The blood vessels in the affected area dilate,
bringing more blood to the scene and causing congestion and swelling.  Along
with this swelling come the other signs of this process, and we can see the
redness and feel the heat and pain that warn us that something is wrong in our
system and that we can probably use some help.  Since inflammation has many
different causes, it is important to find out which one is at work, so that
the proper remedy can be applied.  Inflammation is an important part of the
way the body responds to an infection, and the signs, which I have outlined
for you, are common when an infection is present.  Some of your understandable
confusion may be brought about by the use of these terms in the discussion of
acute infections.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
