A Comparison of Chronic & Acute Inflammation

Living tissues found in our bodies have their own way of reacting to illnesses or injuries like burns, tuberculosis or even rheumatoid arthritis. The process that leads to this reaction is unique and begins with the contraction of nearby arteries; it is characterized by heat, redness, swelling and a considerable amount of pain.

What is Inflammation?

• Inflammation is basically a biological reaction of the tissues of the body in response to any stimuli that is harmful to the body, which may include pathogens, damaged cells as well as irritants. This is the way the tissues try to protect themselves in order to expel foreign organisms and at the same time set the body for the process of healing. Even though inflammation can also be called infection, it is, however, also caused by infections.

Process

• The process of inflammation starts by a contraction of the nearby tiny blood vessels, which is then followed by dilation that flushes the capillaries with blood. It is during this process that the fluid containing plasma proteins and leukocytes gets pumped into the affected tissues. The swelling that accompanies is usually a result of this process even as the body fights the genesis of the injury. If inflammation did not occur, the tissues would continue getting destroyed and compromise the survival of the organism, and healing would almost never take place.

Types

• There are basically two types of inflammation, which can be classified as either acute or chronic. As soon as injury occurs to tissue, the first reaction caused by the speedy flow of blood and leukocytes to the tissue is what we refer to us acute inflammation. The whole immune system is usually involved in response to inflammation. It is when the inflammation lasts much longer than normal that it is termed as chronic inflammation. When an inflammation becomes chronic, it is usually a major destruction and replacement of the cells within the tissue suffering the inflammation.

Comparison

• All inflammations more often than not begin as acute inflammation and are caused by pathogens and injured tissue; however, persistent inflammation due to nondegradable pathogens and persistent foreign bodies or autoimmune reactions develops into chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation lasts only a few days, but chronic inflammation may last a few weeks, months or even years.

Outcomes

• When acute inflammation takes place, it can go through four progressive stages, namely the tissue returning to normal; reorganization when the new tissue is formed; suppuration, which is the formation of pus; or finally the development into chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is treated with antibiotics, or in severe cases, there may be removal of the irritating foreign body in order to get rid of the cause. Chronic inflammation not well managed may lead to other diseases such as hay fever, atherosclerosis or even rheumatoid arthritis.