What it means
The tissue's first defense when it is damaged or invaded. Blood vessels widen and leak, so fluid and white cells such as neutrophils and macrophageMAK-roh-fayjA large white blood cell in the tissues that swallows and digests germs, dead cells and debris.macro- large-phage eaterFull entry reach the area to fight germs and clear debris, and repair begins. The five classic signs are redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function. When it spreads through the whole body, it can cause fever and, in sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry , damage organs.
For the nurse
Clients who are older, on steroids or immunocompromised may show weak signs of inflammation even with a serious infection.
Remember it
The five signs in Latin: rubor, calor, tumor, dolor and loss of function.
At a glance
| Spanish | respuesta inflamatoria |
|---|---|
| Also written | inflammatory responses |
Related terms
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
cytokine
A small protein released by immune and other cells that carries signals between cells, especially during inflammation.
exudate
Fluid, cells or other material that has leaked out of blood vessels into a wound or tissue.
wound healing
The body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.
macrophage
A large white blood cell in the tissues that swallows and digests germs, dead cells and debris.