What is Inflammation? Causes, Features and Mediators of Inflammation

What is Inflammation? Definition

INFLAMMATION is a localized reaction of the body to injury. This basic pathological tends to localise or dispose of the injurious agent. All inflammatory conditions are described as "itis". e.g Sinusitis-Inflammation of sinuses, Arthritis - Inflammation of joints, etc. Inflammatory conditions are generally seen in injuries, infections or allergies.

CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION

The various causes of inflammation are given below:

1. Physical Agents: e.g. heat, cold, injury or radiation.
2. Chemical Agents: e.g. Corrosive, poisons.
3. Living Agents: e.g. Microbes, parasites.
4. Immune Reaction: e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis.

TYPICAL FEATURES OF INFLAMMATION

Typical features of inflammation are given below:

1. Pain (Dolar)
2. Redness (Rubor)
3. Swelling (Tumor)
4. Heat (Calor)

INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS

Mediators are certain substances produced by the body, to take part in various inflammatory reactions. Some mediators are given below:

1. Histamines
2. Prostaglandins
3. Bradykinins
4. Platelet activating factors.