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Inflammation

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 12, 2005

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Definition: Inflammation is a response to injury that is characterized by:
  • redness
  • pain
  • heat
  • swelling
  • loss of function(sometimes)

The inflammatory response is the body's way to deal with infection or injury. It mobilizes chemicals that will deal with pain, ward off bacteria and begin the wound healing process.

Inflammation happens at the site of the injury or infection.

Also Known As: inflammatory response

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