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- $Unique_ID{BRK00652}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Just What Does Inflammation Mean?}
- $Subject{inflammation Ill Defined Symptoms symptom blood vessel vessels
- arteries artery infection infections injuries injury}
- $Volume{N-4}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Just What Does Inflammation Mean?
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- QUESTION: The word "inflammation" is used in so many ways in many medical
- articles, that though I think I know the sense of the word, I am not sure that
- I really know what it means. Would you please just what inflammation is, and
- what the word really means?
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- ANSWER: I would be happy to. An inflammation is a reaction in the body when
- the tissues have become irritated, usually by injury or infection, although
- there are other causes. The blood vessels in the affected area dilate,
- bringing more blood to the scene and causing congestion and swelling. Along
- with this swelling come the other signs of this process, and we can see the
- redness and feel the heat and pain that warn us that something is wrong in our
- system and that we can probably use some help. Since inflammation has many
- different causes, it is important to find out which one is at work, so that
- the proper remedy can be applied. Inflammation is an important part of the
- way the body responds to an infection, and the signs which I have outlined for
- you are common when an infection is present. Some of your understandable
- confusion may be brought about by the use of these terms in the discussion of
- acute infections.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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