ABSTRACT
Infl ammation is a protective response of the organism to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, as an attempt to remove the injurious stimuli and to heal tissue damage. Infl ammation can be classifi ed as either acute or chronic. Acute infl ammation characterized by pain, redness, warmth, and swelling (tumor) is typically triggered by external stimuli. It is a short infl ammatory response (only for hours to days) which recovers completely after treatment with anti-infl ammatory agents and other therapies of the causing stimuli (e.g., antimicrobials for bacterial infection). On the other hand, chronic infl ammation is a prolonged disorder that can take place without an external stimulus. It is often associated with a more serious condition, and an extended period of therapy is normally needed.
