In brief
The immune system's response to an irritant, such as a germ or a foreign object. Its classic signs are redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function.
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation by stopping injured cells from making chemicals called prostaglandins.
- Cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands, reduces inflammation.
- The ESR blood test also shows inflammation, but CRP is more accurate in most situations, according to Pathology Tests Explained.
How it works
In inflammation, the small blood vessels in the affected tissue widen, and the increased blood flow carries more immune cells to the injured area. Not every inflammation causes all five signs. Severe inflammation can also make you feel generally ill and exhausted and cause a fever, signs that the immune system is very active.
Some inflammatory diseases are chronic and can last for years or even a lifetime. In chronic inflammation, the immune system keeps sending out chemical messengers. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood start to rise soon after inflammation affects the body, such as through an injury or an infection.
Connections
7 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Inflammation (the healing response) is linked with
In asthma the airway lining swells and becomes inflamed.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Asthma
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition of the skin, the nails and the joints.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Psoriasis
Inflammation (the healing response) can be lowered by
Inflammation (the healing response) is made by
Inflammation is the immune system's response to an irritant, such as a germ or a foreign object.
Source: InformedHealth.org (IQWiG), NCBI Bookshelf, In brief: What is an inflammation?
Inflammation (the healing response) is controlled by
NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by stopping injured cells from making prostaglandins.
Inflammation (the healing response) can lead to
- Chronic low-grade inflammation Supported
Some inflammatory diseases are chronic and can last for years. In chronic inflammation the immune system keeps sending out chemical messengers.
Sources: InformedHealth.org (IQWiG), NCBI Bookshelf, In brief: What is an inflammation?; Pathology Tests Explained, C-reactive protein
Inflammation (the healing response) is measured by
CRP levels start to rise soon after inflammation affects the body, such as through an injury or an infection.
Lab tests
- Iron studies (including ferritin)A group of blood tests that shows how much iron is stored in your body and how much is being carried in the blood.
- C-reactive protein (CRP)A blood test for C-reactive protein, a protein the liver releases into the blood in response to inflammation.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)Measures how fast red blood cells settle in a tube of blood, a general sign of inflammation.
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
- In brief: What is an inflammation?
- C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Cortisol
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from InformedHealth.org, Pathology Tests Explained and healthdirect. Sources read on 13 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.