The term, “inflammation,” when used in a medical context, refers to a localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury or infection, characterized by pain, redness, swelling and sometimes loss of function. The key feature here is “protective.” Inflammation is designed to protect us against infecting organisms and further damage. During inflammation white blood cells rush to the area to destroy harmful microorganisms and dead cells, preventing the spread of the irritation and permitting the injured tissue to repair itself.
