Inflammation vs. Infection. (Often confused.)
"Inflammation - is a short or continuous immune response caused by temporary or permanent cell damage intended to rehabilitate the damaged tissue." The definition of inflammation is much broader than infection. (Which often produces an inflammatory response.)
Inflammation and infection are two closely related but separate phenomena.
Link: Inflammation (From Wikipedia)
- Inflammation is a natural and immediate response of the immune system to repair tissue damage caused by a blow, accident, harsh chemicals, radiation, burn, or pathogen infection.
- Infection is a direct result of pathogens (Bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.). The immune response to infection is inflammation.
Prominent examples of inflammation that do not necessarily involve infection:
Although infections and infections are sometimes seen as synonyms, it is pretty clear that many inflammation cases do not involve pathogens.
- Knife injury while cutting.
- A burn from an iron, stove, or boiling water.
- Callus on foot from prolonged walking.
Continue reading: Immune system boost and rehabilitation.
Inflammation is usually characterized by redness, swelling (increased blood flow), and pain in contact. Since infection often causes inflammation, the symptoms are very similar, thus creating confusion between these two conditions.
