Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection. It may result in pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or loss of function of the affected body part.
In some cases inflammation develops as part of a disease process, such as the inflammation that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, or an allergic reaction.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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