Acute inflammation

Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate and natural response to injury, irritation, or infection. It begins within minutes or hours and is the body’s way of protecting itself, sending immune cells and other substances to the area to fight infection and start the healing process. Unlike chronic inflammation, which lasts for months or years, acute inflammation is short-term, usually resolving in a few days to a couple of weeks.

What are the symptoms of acute inflammation?

Acute inflammation produces symptoms that are often easy to recognize. These include redness and warmth in the affected area, swelling, pain or tenderness, and sometimes loss of function, such as difficulty moving a swollen joint. If the inflammation is caused by an infection, there may also be more general symptoms like fever, fatigue, or chills.

What causes acute inflammation?

There are many possible triggers for acute inflammation. It can be caused by physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, or burns, or by infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Exposure to harmful chemicals, irritants, or allergens may also start an inflammatory reaction. In some cases, acute inflammation is linked to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Is acute inflammation serious?

Acute inflammation is usually not serious and is considered a normal part of the healing process. The body uses inflammation to fight harmful invaders and repair damage. However, when acute inflammation is very severe, prolonged, or part of an autoimmune condition, it can damage healthy tissues. In these situations, further medical care is often needed to address the underlying cause.

What types of medical conditions are associated with acute inflammation?

Acute inflammation is part of many common medical conditions. Examples include infections such as strep throat or pneumonia, skin conditions like cellulitis or dermatitis, and injuries such as sprains, strains, or fractures. Internal conditions such as appendicitis and tonsillitis are also caused by acute inflammation. In addition, flare-ups of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, may present with acute inflammation.

What does acute inflammation look like under the microscope?

When a pathologist examines tissue with acute inflammation under the microscope, they usually see a large number of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and sometimes eosinophils, which are both important for fighting infection. The small blood vessels in the area may appear widened (dilated), and fluid often leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling. Together, these microscopic changes explain the visible redness, swelling, and heat associated with acute inflammation.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What caused the acute inflammation described in my report?

• Is this a normal healing response or a sign of infection?

• Do I need treatment, such as antibiotics, or will it improve on its own?

• How can I manage the pain or swelling caused by inflammation?

• Should I be concerned about this inflammation leading to tissue damage or becoming chronic?