What are the intended learning outcomes related to inflammation?
- Have knowledge on the defence mechanisms of the body
- Be aware of factors that cause inflammation
- Understand the mechanisms of inflammation
- Be able to state common blood tests used to detect acute inflammation
- Appreciate the difference between acute and chronic inflammation
- Know of common medications used to treat inflammation
These outcomes guide the learning objectives for students in a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy program.
What are the three lines of defence in the body’s immune response?
- 1st line: Skin and Mucous Membranes
- 2nd line: Inflammation
- 3rd line: Immunity
The 1st line is a physical barrier, the 2nd line involves non-specific responses like inflammation, and the 3rd line is specific immunity.
Define inflammation.
The body’s non-specific protective response to tissue damage, disease or injury in an attempt to destroy, dilute or wall off both the injurious agent and the injured tissue.
Inflammation is characterized by five cardinal signs.
What are the five cardinal signs of inflammation?
- Redness (rubor)
- Swelling (tumor)
- Warmth (calor)
- Pain (dolor)
- Loss of function (function laesa)
These signs indicate the body’s response to injury or infection.
What is the purpose of inflammation?
- To prevent minor infections from becoming overwhelming
- To prepare any damaged tissue for repair
Inflammation acts as a critical defense mechanism.
List some factors that cause inflammation.
- Injury/Trauma
- Infection (Viruses, bacteria, Rickettsiae, fungi, protozoa, worms)
- Infarction (e.g., Myocardial Infarct)
- Immune reactions (Foreign protein hypersensitivity, Autoimmunity)
- Nutrient deprivation
These factors can trigger the inflammatory process.
What does the suffix ‘-itis’ indicate?
Inflammation
Examples include conjunctivitis, tendonitis, appendicitis.
What are the main steps in the mechanism of inflammation?
- Vascular response
- Cellular response
- Phagocytosis
- Lymphatic drainage
Each step plays a crucial role in managing inflammation.
What occurs during the vascular response of inflammation?
- Transient vasoconstriction
- Prolonged vasodilation
- Increased blood flow and hydrostatic pressure
- Opening of capillary beds
- Increased vascular permeability
This response facilitates the delivery of immune cells to the site of injury.
What is chemotaxis?
The process by which immune cells are attracted to the site of injury in response to chemical mediators.
This is a critical mechanism in the cellular response of inflammation.
What is phagocytosis?
The process of ingestion of foreign material or particulate matter.
This is essential for clearing pathogens during inflammation.
What are the manifestations of acute inflammation?
- Rubor (Redness)
- Calor (Heat)
- Dolor (Pain)
- Tumor (Oedema)
- Functio laesa (Loss of function)
Each manifestation corresponds to physiological changes occurring during inflammation.
What blood test measures white blood cell count, and what is its reference value?
White blood cell count (WBC) with a reference value of 5,000 – 10,000 /mm³.
Elevated WBC counts are indicative of inflammation.
How does acute inflammation differ from chronic inflammation in terms of cause?
Acute inflammation usually has a known cause (e.g., trauma), while chronic inflammation often has an unknown cause.
Chronic inflammation can result from unresolved acute inflammation.
What are common types of medications used for inflammation?
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
These medications help manage inflammation and its symptoms.
True or False: Acute inflammation has a rapid onset.
True
Acute inflammation typically occurs quickly after injury or infection.
Fill in the blank: The main cells involved in acute inflammation are _______.
Neutrophils, followed by monocytes → macrophages.
Neutrophils are the first responders to sites of acute inflammation.
