A quick and early response to an injury. Marked by brief vasoconstriction (minimize blood loss) followed by vasodilation and increased vascular permeability to dilute the toxins and cause phagocytic influx at the infection/injury site. This increase in phagocytes and even the activation of the complement system further promotes the inflammatory response. During inflammation, capillaries remain dilated (causing edema), more neutrophils are recruited, and pus forms. Eventually, pus clears out and tissue begins to repair.

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Acute Inflammation

When acute inflammation fails to rid a pathogen, this kicks in, resulting in ongoing inflammation and an often futile defense (healing at superficial level but pathogen in deeper tissues). This may cause the formation of granulomas, which is a marker for unsuccessful immune response in tissues.Chronic inflammation can also be the cause of tissue damage during viral infections (i.e. HepC, liver cirrhosis). 

Chronic Inflammation

An inflammatory response involving an increase in body temperature that goes beyond the site of infection and affects the whole body. Infections can disrupt the normal homeostasis of the body, including the body's ability to thermoregulate (altered hypothalamus functioning), thus leading to a fever. Fevers promote innate immune defense by recruiting pathogen attack and inhibiting pathogen growth, though too strong of a response can cause cell and tissue damage and even death.

Fever

Two types of Inflammatory Response include:

- acute inflammation
- chronic inflammation
- fever

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The inflammatory response, triggered by cell distress, protects against pathogens, removes dead cells, and stimulates repair mechanisms. Though, too much inflammation can be detrimental to health.

Inflammation

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Five observable signs associated with inflammatory response include:

- Redness/Erythema
- Swelling/Edema
- Heat
- Pain
- Abnormal/Altered function

Observable Signs Associated With Inflammatory Response

Types of Inflammatory Response

Chemical mediators that contribute to inflammation and fever, including types of plasma protein mediators and cytokines.

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