Inflammation Flashcards
What is inflammation?
A response to tissue damage
What are some of the triggers of inflammation?
Foreign bodies, infection, ischaemia/infarction, physical/chemical injury and immune reactions
Pros of inflammation
It limits tissue injury
Removes dead tissues
It promotes specific immunity
It prepares for and initiates healing and repair
Cons of inflammation
Allergies and hypersensitive autoimmunity can cause exaggerated/inappropriate responses
Can be chronic
What tissues and cells are involved in inflammation?
Plasma and fluid proteins
Circulating cells
Blood vessels
Constituents of connective tissue
What happens in the vascular reaction of inflammation?
Movement if plasma proteins and circulating cells maximises resulting in hyperaemia, stasis and fluid exudation.
What happens in the cellular reaction of inflammation?
Leucocyte extravasation (liquid leaks into the surrounding tissue)
How does phagocytosis work? 3 steps
Recognition
Engulfment
Killing and degradation
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
Redness Heat Swelling Pain Loss of function
General signs and symptoms of inflammation
Fever Increased HR & BP Raised WCC Raised CRP Anorexia General malaise Weight loss Sepsis
What are the main factors of acute inflammation?
Rapid response
Short lived
Neutrophils predominate
What are the outcomes of acute inflammation?
Complete resolution
Healing by fibrosis
Abscess formation
Chronic inflammation
What are the main factors of chronic inflammation?
It is prolonged
It can develop from acute inflammation
Tissue destruction
Lymphocytes and macrophages predominate
How do we treat inflammation?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS)
Anti-histamines
Steroids
What can happen if there is no inflammatory response?
Increased susceptibility to infection
Delayed wound healing
Tissue damage
