•  
  •  

Inflammation

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.

Last Revised: November 23, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.