Acute inflammation

MyPathologyReport
November 30, 2023

Acute inflammation is the body’s natural and immediate response to injury or infection. It helps protect the body by quickly sending blood cells and substances to the affected area to begin healing. This response usually happens within minutes or hours of injury and typically lasts a short period, from a few days to a couple of weeks.

What are the symptoms of acute inflammation?

Symptoms of acute inflammation usually include:

• Redness and warmth at the affected area.
• Swelling.
• Pain or tenderness.
• Loss of function (difficulty moving the affected area).

In cases of infection, you might also experience general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and chills.

What causes acute inflammation?

Acute inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Physical injury, such as cuts, bruises, or burns.
• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals or irritants.
• Allergic reactions.
• Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.

Is acute inflammation serious?

Acute inflammation is not usually serious and is a normal part of the body’s healing process. However, prolonged or severe acute inflammation can damage healthy tissues, especially when it is associated with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. If acute inflammation persists or becomes severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine and address the underlying cause.

What types of medical conditions are associated with acute inflammation?

Many medical conditions involve acute inflammation, including:

• Infections like strep throat or pneumonia.
• Skin conditions such as dermatitis or cellulitis.
• Injuries like sprains, strains, or fractures.
• Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).
• Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

What does acute inflammation look like under the microscope?

Under the microscope, acute inflammation shows many white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and eosinophils, which are important for fighting infection. The affected tissue may also show swelling (edema) due to fluid leakage from small blood vessels. Pathologists often see dilated blood vessels and tissue filled with these inflammatory cells, which help repair the damaged area.

About this article

Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

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