Inflammation and swelling are not the same thing, with inflammation being the body’s response to injury or irritation, and swelling being a symptom that can be caused by inflammation. Inflammation triggers swelling by causing the area to fill with fluid, which helps to protect the site of irritation and speed up healing. Severe inflammation and swelling can be treated with ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, but extreme or chronic swelling should be seen by a doctor.
Inflammation and swelling are so closely related that some people use the terms interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Simply put, inflammation is the body’s reaction to physical injury or some other irritant, and swelling is a symptom that could be caused by inflammation. Other symptoms of inflammation include redness, warmth and pain. Although swelling and inflammation often occur together, and inflammation is a very common cause of localized swelling, swelling could have other causes as well, and general swelling that affects the whole body is probably not caused by inflammation.
Irritation or damage to cells in the body triggers inflammation as a defensive response. This damage could take the form of a physical injury. Burns, frostbite, and chemical irritants also cause inflammation. Inflammation can also be caused by pathogens infecting cells or by an immune response.
The body triggers inflammation to repair and minimize the damage caused by these irritants. The capillaries at the site of inflammation dilate, slowing blood flow out of the area and allowing white blood cells to attack foreign cells. This is what causes the inflamed areas to become red and feel warm. Pain receptors are also stimulated, encouraging the victim to protect the area.
Another important response is swelling. The inflammation causes the area to fill with fluid that leaks from the capillaries. Not only does the swelling absorb and protect the site of irritation, the proteins in the fluid also help carry antibodies that help fight infection and speed healing. In the event of an injury, the pressure from the fluid helps slow the bleeding, giving the blood time to clot.
When inflammation and swelling are severe, steps can be taken to relieve symptoms. Depending on the nature of the irritation, ice may be applied to dilate blood vessels, thereby relieving pain, redness, and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen offer relief from inflammation and swelling. Inflammation and swelling indicate there is a problem, and particularly severe or prolonged inflammation should be seen by a doctor.
Although inflammation and swelling often occur together, the swelling could have other causes, ranging in severity from mild discomfort to quite severe. The swelling associated with the inflammation is typically focused on a specific area or lesion. If the swelling is not localized, other causes should be considered. Patients experiencing extreme, chronic, or otherwise concerning swelling should see a doctor.
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